I Was Exposed To Jet Engine Noise ( Without Ear

Posted on Thu, 24 Oct 2019

Question: I was exposed to jet engine noise ( without ear protection) during a large part of my military career, as aircrew. ie going to the aircraft, checking the aircraft out, etc-often with ten or up to 30 aircraft simelataneously. I also "blew" both ear drums in a high speed decent from 35000 feet. Could this have contributed to my hearing loss in later life.Thks,Les

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, even if not documented before leaving service.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. If you share the images of your audiograms, it will help as you have only mentioned the thresholds of your left ear. An aided audiogram (with your present hearing aids) along with speech discrimination scores will also help.

2. Yes, jet engine noise without ear protection has the potential to cause sensorineural hearing loss. In close proximity, this may happen in a few seconds or minutes.

3. The barotrauma event that resulted from the high-speed descent would usually cause a conductive or mixed hearing loss at that time, If it has been documented by an audiogram while in service, or if this incident was reported and documented, it will help.

4. Any asymmetry in the audiograms of both ears will be in favor of acoustic trauma as against age related hearing loss (Presbyacusis) which is mostly symmetrical in both ears.

5. You have not clarified regarding any Tinnitus (ringing sounds in the ear/s), which can also be the ground for hearing disability.

I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee