Nonauditory Effects of High Intensity Noise on Ground Crew at a Naval Air Station

Physiological, behavioral and subjective data were obtained from 14 ground crew considered possibly to be at risk for nonauditory effects of intense noise while working around jet aircraft. Fourteen matched control subjects working in normal noise environments were given the same test protocol. Brain stem evoked potentials, eye tracking behavior, balance, and nystagmus were compared between the groups and found to be nondiscriminating. In addition, subjective mood and perceived illness were compared and found to be the same in the two groups. It was concluded that ground crew wearing the required ear protection devices do not show nonauditory effects of intense noise encountered on their jobs, and that within the confines of the variables studied, no evidence exists that current safety measures and standards are inadequate. (Author)