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Effects of Aircraft Noise on Pilots' Auditory Perception
LingLing Song1, MengMeng Liu, ShunShun Li
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, Shandong, China.
Noise & Health
|January 3, 2026
Summary
Aircraft noise significantly impacts pilots' hearing, especially for fighter and helicopter crews, necessitating comprehensive control strategies to ensure auditory health and flight safety.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Aerospace Medicine
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Aircraft noise poses a significant risk to auditory perception in pilots.
- Understanding the specific effects on different pilot groups is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of aircraft noise on pilots' auditory perception.
- To develop evidence-based strategies for controlling noise-related auditory risks.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study compared 92 pilots (helicopter, fighter, passenger aircraft) with 67 non-exposed controls.
- Pure tone audiometry and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurements were used.
- The Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale assessed noise sensitivity.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in audiometry results were found across groups (P < 0.001).
- Fighter and helicopter crews showed significantly reduced SNR in higher frequency bands (2-6 kHz).
- Noise sensitivity scores varied significantly among the groups (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Aircraft noise poses a substantial threat to pilots' hearing and flight safety.
- Integrated technical, protective, and managerial control measures are essential.
- Proactive strategies are needed to mitigate noise-induced auditory damage in aviation.
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