Evaluation of Vibration and Low Frequency Noise on the Flight Deck of a Frigate

Vibroacoustic Disease is a nosological entity caused by excessive exposure to infrasound and low frequency noise. Past studies have shown an augmented deleterious effect when infrasound and low frequency noise exposure occurs concomitantly with whole-body vibration. The object of this report is to present the some results for an acoustical and vibrational study being conducted among Portuguese Navy aircraft maintenance personnel. The synergy between these physical agents, namely vibration and infrasound and low frequency noise, can lead to debilitating conditions within the setting of prolonged (in years) occupational exposures. Prior studies have shown that vibroacoustic disease can develop among aeronautical technicians occupationally exposed to infrasound and low frequency noise. Mood and behavioral disorders are among the first clinical signs observed among infrasound and low frequency noise exposed workers. Changes in memory and cognition soon follow. After 10+ years of occupational exposure, debilitating health conditions requiring extended leaves of absence develop. The present work aims to verify the noise and vibration conditions to which a group of flight deck frigate team is subject. To this end, are underway measurements of noise and vibrations in one Portuguese Frigate. The results show that there is no concern about vibrations, but about some frequencies that have high values of noise level must be done something. The follow of the symptoms presented by these mechanics is the first thing to do, in way to define what can be done, if these symptoms change.