The purpose of this investigation was to characterize noise levels in spaces designated as "effective quiet" areas on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. Noise dosimetry samples were collected in 15 designated spaces, representing 15 noise measurements, while at-sea during airwing carrier qualifications. Equivalent sound level (L) measurements were collected during flight operations (L), non-flight operations (L), and over 24-hr periods (L). These data were compared to the 70 dBA American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for "effective quiet" areas intended for temporary threshold shift recovery when personnel live and work in a potentially noise hazardous environment for periods greater than 24 hr. The monitored areas were selected based on personnel occupancy/use during off-duty time periods. Areas were classified by either (1) leisure areas that included mess (eating areas), gyms, lounges, an internet cafe, and the fantail social area or (2) berthing (sleeping) areas. The L measurements in decibels "A" weighted (dBA) were compared to determine significant differences between L, L, and L and were compared between leisure area and berthing area. Measured noise levels according to time period ranged as follows: (1) L: 70.8-105.4 dBA; (2) L: 70-101.2 dBA; and (3) L: 39.4-104.6 dBA. All area measurements over the 24-hr period and during flight operations and 46.7% of the areas during the non-flight operation time period exceeded the "effective quiet" 70 dBA ACGIH TLV. Mean L were 15 dBA higher during flight operations compared to non-flight operations in "effective quiet" areas (p = 0.001). The L in leisure areas were significantly higher than berthing areas by approximately 21 dBA during non-flight operation periods (p = 0.001). Results suggest noise levels in "effective quiet" areas frequented by aircraft carrier personnel during off-duty hours when at-sea may inhibit auditory recovery from occupational noise exposures that occur on-duty.
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