THE EFFECT OF AIRCRAFT ENGINE NOISE ON THE HEARING OF ARMY AVIATION PERSONNEL

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the frequency and severity of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) and its audiometric configurations among Pakistan Army Aviation personnel.
Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive study.
Place and Duration of Study: From June 2009 to May 2010 at ENT department of CMH Gujranwala.
Patients and Methods: A total of 100 individuals who were exposed to turbo-propeller aircraft’s engine noise for more than two years were recruited and assessed for hearing impairment. All the subjects were evaluated through detailed history and clinical examination. Pure tone audiometry was carried out and pathological audiograms with sensorineural hearing loss were segregated. Hearing thresholds and audiometric configurations were recorded.
Results: Out of the 100 subjects enrolled NIHL was found in 32% individuals. Among them, 20 (62.5%) patients suffered from bilateral pathology. It was mild in 13 (40.62%), moderate in 14 (43.75), and severe in 5 (15.62%) cases. The most common audiometric configuration was the notched audiogram with a dip at 4 kHz occurring in 14 patients followed by slope configuration found in 13 patients.
Conclusion: Aviation workers are exposed to exceptionally intense noise which can render them physically and socially handicapped at times. The intricate nature of such impact entails a prompt recognition and adoption of necessary prophylactic measures to minimize the risk of developing a rather irreversible sensory handicap.