Characterization of Noise Levels in Berthing Areas Aboard a U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier During Flight Operations

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Characterization of Noise Levels in Berthing Areas Aboard a U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier During Flight Operations

A. J. Hunter

Occupational hearing loss is one of the most common work-relatedillnesses in the United States (20). Navy personnel working on the flight deck of aircraft carriers are required to work 12-14 hours in noise hazardous environments ranging from 125 -150 dBA making auditory recovery during off duty hours critical in preventing permanent hearing loss. Sleeping areas (berthing), designed for auditory rest, may be located directly below the flight deck (2). The objective of this study was to characterize and perform descriptive statistical analysis of noise exposures to determine if berthing spaces are effective areas of auditory rest.Methods: Sound level meters with octave band analyzers were used to collectnoise measurements in eight berthing areas located directly below the flight deck during both flight and non-flight operations. A total of 58 samples were taken, with each sample taken during a four-hour interval, that included octave band analysis at 16 Hz - 16 kHz center band frequencies. Average equivalent continuous levels (Leqs) were compared to auditory rest criteria. Differences in Leqs at each frequency were assessed according to berthing spaces. Results: Eighty-seven percent of berthing spaces exceeded 70 dBA, which is the ACGIH recommended limit for 24-hour environmental noise exposure and is applicable for areas of auditory recovery. The predominant frequencies throughout the spaces were1 and 2 kHz with Leqs ranging from 61.6 dB 86.4 dB. Forward locations had the highest noise levels with a mean Leq of 81.2 dB while mid and aft berthing locations had mean Leqs of 78.5 dB and 61.6 dB respectively.