sound levels and hearing loss

Ron Wanttaja wrote:

"Tony" wrote:

Just a word or two of caution, folks. Sound levels in SEL airplanes
can exceed 90 dB A at the pilot's ear, and prolonged exposure to that
level can lead to hearing loss. I stuff a couple of thousand bucks
worth of electronics in each ear now, partly because I didn't use a
headset in the airplane in my younger days (lots of gun fire and some
evidence of family hearing loss are also factors). Even if you're not
using the radio, protect your hearing.

I took a Radio Shack sound meter aloft with me one day. 109 dB at
chest level.

I wear an ANR, now....

What rating scale was that measured with? It looks like dBC, which is
not representative of the effect on human hearing.

Further, don't be lulled into thinking ANR will help prevent hearing loss.
ANR has a number of issues that can give a false sense of security. The
best protection is a passive ear muff. With some designs, ANR can actually
increase sound levels.