Study on the Impact of Aircraft Noise on the Hearing of Maintenance Personnel

Abstract

Aircraft maintenance personnel are often exposed to loud noises, placing them at significant risk for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This study assessed the characteristics of listening loss among aircraft maintenance personnel to provide insights and recommendations for the prevention and protection against NIHL. Auditory assessments and questionnaires were distributed to 124 male airline maintenance professionals. All subjects' 0.25, 0.5, 3, 4, and 6 kHz hearing thresholds were compared between ears. Under 30, 30–39, and 40+ were the age groups. Across age groups, 0.5, 1, 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz hearing thresholds were examined, and hearing loss and tinnitus rates were also compared. Both ears exhibited equal hearing thresholds at 0.25, 0.5, 3, 4, and 6 kHz. However, 1, 2, and 8 kHz showed substantial variances. The right ear thresholds were substantially lower at 1 and 2 kHz than at 8 kHz. Hearing thresholds at 0.5, 1, 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz were greater in 30–39-year-olds than <30-year-olds and significantly higher in ≥ 40-year-olds. At 6 kHz, the hearing threshold was substantially greater in the ≥ 40 age group than in the 30–39 age group. Hearing loss incidence was higher in the ≥ 40 years group (80%) compared to the <30 years (15.14%) and 30–39 years (42.10%) groups. The group aged ≥ 40 years showed considerably lower tinnitus rates (0%) compared to the groups aged <30 years (12.34%) and 30–39 years (34.21%). This research identified that age substantially affected hearing thresholds at 0.5, 1, 3, 4, 6, and 8kHz, with older adults losing more hearing. However, tinnitus diminished with age.