In-vehicle noise exposure among military personnel depending on type of vehicle, riding compartment and road surface.
Autor: Luha, Assar; Merisalu, E.; Reinvee, M.; Kinnas, S.; Jõgeva, R.; Orru, H.
Publication year: 2020
BMJ military health
issn:2633-3775 2633-3767
doi: 10.1136/jramc-2018-001091
Abstract:
INTRODUCTION: Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common health problems among military service personnel. Exposure to noise in military vehicles constitutes a large proportion of total noise exposure. This pilot study aimed to evaluate in-vehicle noise levels depending on the type of vehicle, riding compartment and road surface. METHOD: Noise levels were measured in armoured personnel carriers and heavy all-terrain trucks, in the cab and rear passenger compartment, while driving on paved or off-road surfaces. The results were compared with national LLV and allowed noise exposure times were calculated per vehicle and surface. RESULTS: The equivalent noise levels in the cab of SISU XA-188 (p=0.001) and peak noise levels in MAN 4620 (p=0.0001) and DAF 4440 (p=0.0047) were higher on paved road, compared with off-road. The equivalent noise levels in the canvas covered rear compartment of MAN 4620 were significantly higher than in the cab on both paved (p=0.004) and off-road (p=0.0003). Peak noise levels in the cab of DAF 4440 exceeded the parameters measured in the canvas covered rear compartment on both paved (p=0.002) and off-road (p=0.0002). In most cases, peak noise levels were below the LLV (p=0.02-0.0001). The maximum noise exposure to passengers in the canvas covered rear compartment of MAN 4620 despite road surface was calculated 0.6 hours per working day. CONCLUSION: A high risk of noise-induced hearing loss among military personnel occurs during long distance transportation with vehicles showing noise levels higher than allowed LLV.
Language: eng
Rights: © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.
Pmid: 30683800
Tags: Humans; Male; Adult; Pilot Projects; Military Personnel/*statistics & numerical data; Audiometry/methods; equivalent noise; exposure; military vehicles; Motor Vehicles/classification/*statistics & numerical data; Noise, Occupational/*adverse effects/statistics & numerical data; peak noise value
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30683800/
