The impact of noise exposure in Air Force Military

Abstract

Introduction: Military aviation is characterized by multiple noise sources, which are worrying as they exceed the legal limits required. The objective of this study is to evaluate the need to extend the monitoring program for all military exposed to aviation noise in the Air Force Units, with the specific objectives of evaluating the noise level to which they are exposed during the day and assessing the impact which it has on their quality of life.
Material and Methods: In the first phase, a retrospective study was carried out on the noise measurements taken place on Air Force Units, using sound level meters and dosimeters. Next, a cross-sectional observational study was carried out, using a questionnaire survey to the military exposed to noise, about the impact of that exposition on their quality of life. The sample of 112 military was divided in three groups: permanent and temporary aircrew staff and maintenance staff.
Results: The sound pressure levels in most of the aircraft studied proved to be higher than the limits permitted by law. Through the evaluation of the survey, it was found that the three groups had similar results, suggesting that the quality of life of military personnel is affected in the same way by noise, regardless of their functions.
Conclusions: The results justify a reflection on the way in which the assessment of noise is made and support the implementation of an evaluation and follow-up program that includes all military personnel exposed to aeronautical noise