Title: Enhancing Aircrew Protection against Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Abstract: Modern day high performance aircrafts are more powerful, more efficient, and unfortunately, frequently produce high noise levels resulting in Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) in the Military aircrew. Military pilots are required to perform many flight duties correctly in the midst of many challenges that may affect mission completion as well as aircraft and aircrew safety. Acoustic environment of an aircrew is characterized by several distinctive types of audio signals, speech signals, radio-mediated speech, and aerodynamic and mechanical low frequency noise originating from aircraft and machinery in the vicinity. Perception and localization of relevant sounds and signals, amongst constant background noise, forms a critical part of situational awareness and successful mission completion. NIHL can interfere with the achievement of these objectives. NIHL may also require aircrew to be downgraded from flying duties with the incumbent re-training costs for downgraded personnel and training costs for new/replacement aircrew. As it is not possible to control the source of noise without compromising the efficiency of the engine and aircraft, protecting the aircrew from hazards of excessive noise, and treating NIHL is of extreme importance. In this article we discuss various Personal Hearing Protection Devices and their efficacy, and pharmacological agents for prevention and management of NIHL.
Publication Year: 2012
Publication Date: 2012-06-30
Language: en
Type: article
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