Army Aviator Hearing Trends: 2016-2023
Abstract
Two Army databases were used to determine the current prevalence and severity of hearing loss among Army aviators and to determine the degree to which waivers are issued for hearing function. Data pulled from the Defense Occupational Environmental Health Readiness System (DOEHRS) database across years 2016 and 2020 along with data pulled from the Aeromedical Electronic Resource Office (AERO) across 1 January 2020 to 11 December 2022 were compared to give an overall picture of the rates of hearing loss. The results of the DOEHRS analysis demonstrated about 6 of the aviator population presented with hearing loss outside the standard identified in the Aeromedical Policy Letter. The results of the AERO analysis demonstrated that approximately 100 waivers are submitted each year, indicating that 1 of Army aviators have a new hearing loss diagnosis. Aviators who fall outside of the standard were nearly always provided a waiver if they were already trained (upon entry) or, if the waiver was needed for continued service. Further research is needed to determine the degree to which aviator performance is impacted by hearing loss that exists beyond the standard.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 12, 2024
- Accession Number
- AD1226624
Entities
People
- Heath G. Jones
- J. R. Stefanson
- Jennifer Noetzel
- Paula Henry
Organizations
- United States Army