Dataset Information

Noise exposure and auditory thresholds of German airline pilots: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The cockpit workplace of airline pilots is a noisy environment. This study examines the hearing thresholds of pilots with respect to ambient noise and communication sound.

Methods

The hearing of 487 German pilots was analysed by audiometry in the frequency range of 125?Hz-16?kHz in varying age groups. Cockpit noise (free-field) data and communication sound (acoustic manikin) measurements were evaluated.

Results

The ambient noise levels in cockpits were found to be between 74 and 80?dB(A), and the sound pressure levels under the headset were found to be between 84 and 88?dB(A).The left-right threshold differences at 3, 4 and 6?kHz show evidence of impaired hearing at the left ear, which worsens by age.In the age groups <40/?40 years the mean differences at 3?kHz are 2/3?dB, at 4?kHz 2/4?dB and at 6?kHz 1/6?dB.In the pilot group which used mostly the left ear for communication tasks (43 of 45 are in the older age group) the mean difference at 3?kHz is 6?dB, at 4?kHz 7?dB and at 6?kHz 10?dB. The pilots who used the headset only at the right ear also show worse hearing at the left ear of 2?dB at 3?kHz, 3?dB at 4?kHz and at 6?kHz. The frequency-corrected exposure levels under the headset are 7-11?dB(A) higher than the ambient noise with an averaged signal-to-noise ratio for communication of about 10?dB(A).

Conclusions

The left ear seems to be more susceptible to hearing loss than the right ear. Active noise reduction systems allow for a reduced sound level for the communication signal below the upper exposure action value of 85?dB(A) and allow for a more relaxed working environment for pilots.

SUBMITTER: Muller R

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5777454 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Noise exposure and auditory thresholds of German airline pilots: a cross-sectional study.

Müller Reinhard R Schneider Joachim J

BMJ open 20170530 5

<h4>Objective</h4>The cockpit workplace of airline pilots is a noisy environment. This study examines the hearing thresholds of pilots with respect to ambient noise and communication sound.<h4>Methods</h4>The hearing of 487 German pilots was analysed by audiometry in the frequency range of 125 Hz-16 kHz in varying age groups. Cockpit noise (free-field) data and communication sound (acoustic manikin) measurements were evaluated.<h4>Results</h4>The ambient noise levels in cockpits were found to be ...[more]

PMID: 28559452

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Project description:ImportanceAirline pilots and cabin crew are occupationally exposed to higher levels of cosmic and UV radiation than the general population, but their risk of developing melanoma is not yet established.ObjectiveTo assess the risk of melanoma in pilots and airline crew.Data sourcesPubMed (1966 to October 30, 2013), Web of Science (1898 to January 27, 2014), and Scopus (1823 to January 27, 2014).Study selectionAll studies were included that reported a standardized incidence ratio (SIR), standardized mortality ratio (SMR), or data on expected and observed cases of melanoma or death caused by melanoma that could be used to calculate an SIR or SMR in any flight-based occupation.Data extraction and synthesisPrimary random-effect meta-analyses were used to summarize SIR and SMR for melanoma in any flight-based occupation. Heterogeneity was assessed using the χ2 test and I2 statistic. To assess the potential bias of small studies, we used funnel plots, the Begg rank correlation test, and the Egger weighted linear regression test.Main outcomes and measuresSummary SIR and SMR of melanoma in pilots and cabin crew.ResultsOf the 3527 citations retrieved, 19 studies were included, with more than 266 431 participants. The overall summary SIR of participants in any flight-based occupation was 2.21 (95% CI, 1.76-2.77; P < .001; 14 records). The summary SIR for pilots was 2.22 (95% CI, 1.67-2.93; P = .001; 12 records). The summary SIR for cabin crew was 2.09 (95% CI, 1.67-2.62; P = .45; 2 records). The overall summary SMR of participants in any flight-based occupation was 1.42 (95% CI, 0.89-2.26; P = .002; 6 records). The summary SMR for pilots was 1.83 (95% CI, 1.27-2.63, P = .33; 4 records). The summary SMR for cabin crew was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.80-1.01; P = .97; 2 records).Conclusions and relevancePilots and cabin crew have approximately twice the incidence of melanoma compared with the general population. Further research on mechanisms and optimal occupational protection is needed.

Dataset Information

Noise exposure and auditory thresholds of German airline pilots: a cross-sectional study.

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Noise exposure and auditory thresholds of German airline pilots: a cross-sectional study.

Similar Datasets

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