Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of aircraft noise on pilots' auditory perception and develop evidence-based control strategies. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSION: Aircraft noise threatens pilots' auditory health and flight safety, requiring integrated technical, protective and managerial control measures.