Noise characterization of "effective quiet" areas on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.

The purpose of this investigation was to characterize noise levels in spaces designated as "effective quiet" areas on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.

Living at Work: 24-hour Noise Exposure Aboard US Navy Aircraft Carriers.

Background: Personnel assigned to aircraft carriers are exposed to a variety of noise sources from equipment and flight deck operations for durations >12 h. Personnel work and live in environments where hazardous noise areas and hearing recovery spaces such as sleeping and relaxation areas are in proximity to one another which provides little recovery time from hazardous noise. This investigation describes noise levels measured over a 24-h period on a US Navy aircraft carrier during flight operations for different populations of aircraft carrier personnel.