An audiometric survey of Royal Artillery gun crews following "Operation Corporate"

An Audiometric Survey was carried out on two batteries of 4 Fd Regt RA (n-84) who were exposed to massive levels of impulse noise during "OP CORPORATE". A control group (n-30) was obtained from the remaining battery which did not serve in the Falklands, and it was matched well in age, service and job. They completed a questionnaire, were physically examined and had an audiogram using the MAICO M26 computer audiometer. Results were related to PULHEEMS standards and compared. No subject in the control group was classed below H2 but in those exposed, 17 were H3 or worse. This is significant (p 0.01 for 1 df) but the significance is attenuated medically and statistically. No significant correlation was found between type of ear defender and degree of protection. The survey showed that sufficient numbers had been affected to necessitate a full examination of all troops who fought in East Falkland.