The hospital-based helicopter. A threat to hearing?

Use of hospital-based helicopters for emergency medical transport has increased greatly over the past two years. We evaluated the associated noise exposure of pilots, aircrew, and transported patients by comparing a noise intensity-duration profile for the above groups to Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards for noise exposure. The duration of exposure varied from 0.51 to 2.33 hours per day and the noise intensity from 85 to 90 dB (A). The intensities were lower than previously reported in the literature. We conclude that noise protection and hearing conservation programs are not required for most civilian rotorcraft medical transport programs.