Effects of Aircraft Noise on Pilots' Auditory Perception

This study aimed to investigate the effects of aircraft noise on pilots' auditory perception and develop evidence-based control strategies.

A cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2021 and May 2024. Participants were divided into two main groups: a pilot group (n = 92) and a control group of 67 healthy individuals without occupational noise exposure. For subgroup analyses, the pilot group was further categorised into three subgroups according to aircraft type: helicopter (n = 28), fighter (n = 30) and passenger aircraft (n = 34). The Results section presents comparisons across four groups in total (control + three pilot subgroups). Hearing test data were used to evaluate the effects of aircraft noise on auditory perception and propose effective prevention and control strategies.

The control group included more females than the pilot group (P < 0.05). No significant difference in baseline data was observed among the three groups (P > 0.05). Significant differences were detected in the pure tone audiometry results of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4 kHz among the four groups (P < 0.001). The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the 2-6 kHz band was significantly lower in fighter jet crews compared with controls (median difference range: 2.0-9.0 dB), with the largest difference at 6 kHz (Δ9.0 dB, χ2 = 91.37, P < 0.001). Helicopter crews also observed SNR reductions of approximately 5.5 dB at 4 and 6 kHz (P < 0.001). Only a slight decrease in the 2 kHz threshold was observed for the passenger aircraft crew (Δ0.5 dB, P = 0.002). We found no significant difference between the groups at 1 kHz (P = 0.794). Significant differences were noted in the Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale scores of the four groups (P < 0.001).

Aircraft noise threatens pilots' auditory health and flight safety, requiring integrated technical, protective and managerial control measures.