Airfield Noise and Your Ears

Airfield Noise Ears Kelly Hudson Call ear responsible says author suggests ways prevent auditory trauma MEDICAL STUDIES show approximately 20 million Americans 8% communicatively impaired suffer loss hearing would stand reason same 8% figure would apply AMA members Modelers dont deliberately want make statistic larger very subtly ears swim survive daily sound- noise- infested environment Noise relative person enduring What noisy environment person may noisy environment another times function age environment raised physiological conditions human auditory system However threshold noise causes damage auditory system regardless perceive pathologies auditory system notwithstanding following comments directed otolgy known sensorineural hearing loss nerve deafness auditory system consists anatomical subdivisions will focus Peripheral Subdivisionthe cochlea inner ear nerve deafness likely occur result noise exposure cochlea tiny snaillike labyrinth approximately 30000 hair cells transmit impulses brain stimulatedthen hear noise sufficient frequency amplitude hairs will broken severely permanently bent resulting breakdown auditory system acoustic trauma noise gasljet powered hobbyists need exercise good judgment engines exceed damaging frequency amplitude model engine manufacturers trying reduce engine noise however incumbent us take extra step caution prevent damage nerve portion auditory system engage hobby generally within few feet engine starting tuning running-up just sitting nearby pit area amount noise exposure damage will vary according proximity length time persons remain situation Current standards published American Academy OtolaryngologyHead Neck Surgery Inc present reasonably clear picture what takes damage cochlea see table model engines push limits 90dB above can quickly build case single afternoon ear damage very possible likely probable July 1996 Model Aviation late Howard Crispin reported results tests made Russian made MDS engine various configurations sound level ranged 79-89 decibels dB conclusion engine tests Mr Crispin stated . would probably permitted fly overseas because equipment would meet noise level requirements countries Therefore might safely assume noise levels airfields probably exceeds tested Mr Crispin Assume run up aircraft engine several times throughout afternoon help other modelers problems position lounge chair pit area Assuming engine noise levels generally exceed 90dB posturing ourselves auditory trauma damage Think about love hobby understand quieter method keeping airfields campaign .find bring new people hobby te AMAs Executive Vice President Doug Holland quest membership growth propose AMA members take responsibility protect ears May1997 43 ears new younger hobbyists requires change way individuals organizations business Hearing protection answer until get engines continually operate well below 85dB level What hearing protectors Are effective Ear plugs inserts fit outer ear canal blocking ear canal forming airtight seal Ear muffs cup-shaped fit over entire outer ear must seal tightlyno leaks hearing protectors will reduce noise much 15-30dB use both will usually reduce noise additional 10-15dB Cotton ears reduces noise about 7dB by-product hearing protection generally enhanced speech understanding noisy places proper hearing protection auditory system can survive noisy airfield environment us already 8% population suffers hearing loss mustI repeat mustwear hearing protection prevent further auditory damage Nerve deafness accumulative about new young enthusiasts need subjected hearing loss preventable need made aware risk factor participate hearing protection adult AMA participants start wearing hearing protection youth will generally emulate us see hearing protectors being worn guess better wear least ask about Hearing protectors priced low $3 high $600 will save discussion high-priced stuff another time decision yours Hearing protection now hearing instruments later Are professional enough hobby cause damage ourselves others Pass word Protect ears remember Call earresponsible y S Hudson Hearing Instrument Specialist 101 E Brunson St #200 Enterprise AL 36330 STINSON SR-B 1IQ bUALL U1/4 SCALE 80 SCALE 100 Dave Lane Best Civilian QSAA order kits call 1-800-327-7198 log fine kits send $400 Idaho Residents Add 5% State Sales Tax 44 Model Aviation offers lamest selection giant scale kits world