Noise Induced Hearing Loss among Aircrews of Bangladesh Air Force

Authors

  • Iftekharul Islam Classified Specialist in Aerospace Medicine, Air Headquarters, Bangladesh Air Force (BAF)
  • Md Abdullah Al Jobair Director Medical Services (Air), BAF, Bangladesh
  • Mohammad Ahmed Ahsan Classified Specialist in Aerospace Medicine, Central Medical Board, BAF, Bangladesh
  • Mushtaq Ahmad Professor & Head, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, AFMC, Dhaka, Bangladesh
  • Mohammad Delwar Hossain Classified Specialist in ENT, CMH, Dhaka, Bangladesh
  • Md Abdu Wahab Associate Professor of Biochemistry, AFMC, Dhaka, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v16i1.53827

Keywords:

Noise-induced hearing loss, Aircraft, Pure tone audiometry, Flying hours

Abstract

Introduction: Noise-induced hearing loss is a significant, often unrecognized health problem among the military pilots. Advanced aircraft are powerful and more efficient but generate high noise causing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among military pilots.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss among pilots of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and its association with aircraft type and flying hours.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Central Medical Board (CMB), Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) Dhaka from April 2017 to March 2018. The audiometry was done in the ENT department of CMB, BAF. Pure-tone audiometry was used to measure hearing thresholds and following pure tone frequencies were used for the test: 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 kHz. The association between flight hours and the development of noise-induced hearing loss was analyzed in the different age groups.

Results: The study revealed NIHL in the aircrew was 16.5% with a higher prevalence among the helicopter pilots (18.6%) as compared with fighter (16.7%) and transport (11.5%) pilots. The left ear was affected in most of the cases than the right ear. Pilots of more than 40 years old and ≥1500 flying hours had a significantly higher hearing threshold compared with other categories.

Conclusion: Exposure to noise in aircrew is unavoidable. By avoiding prolonged exposure to loud noise environments and utilization of personal hearing safety devices can prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 15, No 1 (June) 2020: 12-15

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Published

2021-06-07

How to Cite

Islam, I. ., Jobair, M. A. A. ., Ahsan, M. A. ., Ahmad, M. ., Hossain, M. D. ., & Wahab, M. A. . (2021). Noise Induced Hearing Loss among Aircrews of Bangladesh Air Force. Journal of Armed Forces Medical College, Bangladesh, 16(1), 12–15. https://doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v16i1.53827

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 1 (2020)

Section

Original Papers

License

Submission of a manuscript for publication implies the transfer of the copyright from the author to the publisher upon acceptance. Accepted manuscripts become the permanent property of the Journal of Armed Forces Medical College and may not be reproduced by any means in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher.