ORIGINAL PAPER
The influence of jet engine noise on hearing of technical staff
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1
Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital-Research Institute / Instytut Centrum Zdrowia Matki Polki, Łódź, Poland
(Department of Otolaryngology / Klinika Otolaryngologii)
2
Medical University of Lodz / Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi, Łódź, Poland
(Department of Didactics in Pediatrics / Zakład Dydaktyki Pediatrycznej)
3
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine / Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera, Łódź, Poland
(Department of Physical Hazards / Zakład Zagrożeń Fizycznych)
4
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine / Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera, Łódź, Poland
(Clinic of Audiology and Phoniatrics / Klinika Audiologii i Foniatrii)
Corresponding author
Wiesław Konopka
Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital-Research Institute,
Department of Otolaryngology, Rzgowska 281/289, 93-338 Łódź, Poland
Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2014;65(5):583-92
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Background: Due to high sound pressure levels (SPLs), noise produced by jet planes may be harmful to hearing of people
working in their proximity. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of exposure to jet engine noise on technical staff
hearing. Material and Methods: The study comprised 60 men, aged 24–50 years, employed in army as technical staff and
exposed to jet engine noise for 6–20 years. The control group were 50 non-noise exposed males, aged 25–51 years. Exposure
to noise emitted by jet engines was evaluated. Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions
(DPOAE) were recorded in both groups. Results: Jet engines emitted broadband noise with spectrum dominated by
components in the frequency range 315–6300 Hz (1/3-octave bands). Maximum A-weighted SPL during tests reached values
of approx. 120–130 dB. Consequently, engine-servicing personnel (even in the case of a single engine test) was exposed
to noise (at A-weighted daily noise exposure level above 95 dB) exceeding permissible levels. Averaged audiometric hearing
threshold levels of technical staff were higher (≤ 17 dB HL, p < 0.001) than in the control group. Similarly, the DPOAE
amplitude was lower (≤ 17 dB SPL, p < 0.01) in the noise-exposed subjects compared to the non-exposed ones. Significant reduction
of DPOAE levels was mainly noted for high frequencies (3–6 kHz). Conclusions: Despite the usage of hearing protection
devices, both PTA and DPOAE consistently showed poorer hearing in engine-servicing personnel vs. control group. Med Pr 2014;65(5):583–592