Hearing Hazard from Model Airplanes.

An acoustic analysis of model airplane engine noise on hearing indicated that the dB(A) levels exceeded damage risk criteria for short-term exposure. Temporary threshold shifts (TTS's) were also obtained in three subjects following a brief exposure to the engine noise. All subjects were found to exhibit TTS's at frequencies above 1,000 Hz. These observations add further support to the recommendation that model airplane fliers should wear ear protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]