In this study, we tested whether the speech recognition, through radio communications, of cochlear implant (CI) users inside a noisy helicopter cockpit is adequate for safe flight.
Method: Speech recognition tests (sentences, numbers and disyllables) through a very-high-frequency radio were administered to 12 CI users in a soundproof booth, inside a helicopter with the engine turned off and turned on.
Results: In quiet environments, radio communications were impacted only for disyllable intelligibility, but in noisy situations, all tests were affected.
Conclusions: CI subjects did not achieve the auditory levels recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Keywords: Aircraft; Aviation medicine; Cochlear implant; Hearing loss; Helicopter.
© 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel.