EFFECT OF EXPOSURE TO TANK NOISE UPON HEARING ACUITY OF TANK CREWS
Abstract
Since the noise in tanks may reach relatively high levels it appeared desirable to determine whether or not the hearing of tank crews suffered impairment as a result of fairly long periods of operation. An opportunity to investigate the problem was presented in connection with extensive road and field tests of a group of M-4 A-3 medium tanks. Twenty-three (23) members of tank crews were tested throughout the audible band at intervals over a period of forty-one (41) days. Readings were taken approximately twelve (12) hours after exposure to avoid any effects of temporary fatigue deafness. Data from each man were plotted chronologically in order to demonstrate whether or not changes in hearing acuity occurred with time. In addition, three men were studied for a period of several hours immediately following exposure for the purpose of observing fatigue deafness. No measureable hearing loss at any frequency was observed among the subjects during the test period. In general, no fatigue deafness was found in the three subjects who were tested immediately following a period of 5 hours exposure to tank noise. On the basis of these tests, the likelihood of permanent damage to hearing from exposure to the noise in M-4 A-3 medium tanks appears to be remote if indeed existent.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 20, 1943
- Accession Number
- AD0658629
Entities
People
- Robert H. Walpole
- Theodore F. Hatch
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Laboratory