Do workers exposed to intermittent aircraft noise suffer from occupational deafness? A study in Alexandria airport.

The study aimed at assessment of noise levels in Alexandria airport and measurement of hearing acuity--among other health parameters of the working personnel. By performing 65 sound pressure level measurements, a questionnaire and air conduction audiometry, significant hearing defects could be revealed. Deficiencies affected hearing levels at all frequencies but especially higher frequencies in workers exposed to noise of aircrafts and other airport activities at the exterior of the airport building. The importance of pre-employment and periodic ear and audiometric examinations is thus expressed.