How do Aircraft Noises Impact Hearing Health for Employees?

It’s that time of year when many people are traveling by plane. Not only should you, as passengers, be aware of potential hearing hazards, but employees at airports should also be aware of dangerous noise levels.  

In the U.S., one of the most prevalent injuries that happen while working is occupational hearing loss. There are numerous noises that workers come in contact with when they are coordinating flights. 
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Noise Sources on Aircrafts 

• On the airplane runway, aircraft engines, along with preparations related to takeoffs and braking, contribute to a dangerous noise environment. 
• While in the air, aircraft engines and high-speed turbulence create the most noise on an aircraft. In addition to these noises, there are also intercom announcements, mechanical noises from food and beverage services, and loud chatter among travelers and airport employees.  
• Noise levels on regional jets and aircrafts with a turboprop engine were generally lower than regulated exposure levels, but some decibel levels briefly arrived at or passed these levels. Earbuds or industrial-grade ear muffs are optional to reduce exposure, especially during takeoffs and landings. 
• There have been reports of noise levels reaching 60-65 decibels (dBA) prior to takeoff; 80-85 dBA throughout the flight; and 75-80 dBA during the landing. The outside of aircraft engines reached about 140 dB and circumstances on other aircraft may vary in levels of noise. Insulation for sound also differs between aircraft.   

CDC Recommendations for Noise Levels in Work Environments

• The CDC recommends that employees are only exposed to a controlled noise level below 85 dBA for eight hours in order to decrease incidents of hearing loss due to occupational noise. 
• The CDC also recommends that after every increase by 3 dBA, this doubles the amount of noise and halves the recommended amount of time exposed to this noise. 

The Unknown Correlations between Aircraft Noise and Hearing Loss

• Hearing loss slowly worsens over time. If you have, or are regularly exposed to aircraft noise and have health issues, it’s impossible to determine whether the hearing loss was caused by your work environment or due to another factor. 
• The general ranges of noise levels on aircrafts are known, but precise noise levels have not been measured so there may be variations. 

What Should You Do to Protect Your Hearing Health on an Aircraft?

• Wear proper hearing protection during take-offs and landings. Make sure your earbuds fit comfortably and snugly to seal off any noise that may seep past the buds. 
• Noise levels tend to be higher in the back of the cabin, near and behind the engines and propellers, and near windows. If you have the option, move to another section of the plane to reduce noise levels.

If you or a loved one experiences hearing loss due to a job environment or any other reason, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation.     

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