Why is it important to wear hearing protection around aircraft?

Wearing hearing protection around aircraft is critically important due to the risk of exposure to harmful noise levels. Aircraft engines and other machinery generate sound levels that can reach harmful decibels, potentially leading to temporary or permanent hearing loss if appropriate protective measures are not taken. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets exposure limits for sound levels to protect workers, and being near loud aircraft environments often exceeds these limits.

In addition to preventing hearing loss, proper hearing protection helps maintain the overall safety of aircrew and support personnel by ensuring that individuals can operate in a safe auditory environment, where important sounds and warnings can still be detected when hearing protection is used appropriately. Thus, utilizing hearing protection becomes a fundamental aspect of safety protocol around aircraft operations.