The Effect of Noise Exposure during Primary Flight Training on the Conventional and High Frequency Hearing of Naval Aviation Officer Candidates.

摘要

The investigation was designed to explore the relationship between aviation noise exposure history and high-frequency hearing sensitivity. The NAMRL portion of the study focused on administering conventional audiometry, high-frequency audiometry (4 kHz - 18 kHz), and a speech intelligibility test in noise to 108 Naval Aviation Officer Candidates prior to the following primary flight training (approximately 25-28 hours) in T-34 aircraft. Hearing protection consisted of either the APH-6C or APH-6D flight helmet. Cockpit noise levels in the T-34 range from 96-115 dBA; during cruise the noise level is approximately 100 dBA. Results indicate no significant change in hearing sensitivity or speech discrimination that could be attributed to noise exposure during primary flight training. (Modified author abstract)