Assessment of in-cabin noise of wide-body aircrafts.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Level 4 by design analogy (cross-sectional observational measurement study of 5 aircraft types)
PubMed 35540109 · doi:10.1016/j.apacoust.2022.108809
What was done
Researchers measured in-cabin sound pressure levels across five commercial wide-body aircraft models (Airbus A330-300ER, A350-900, A380-800, Boeing B777-200ER, and Boeing B787-900). Noise levels were captured on both A-weighted [dB(A)] and C-weighted [dB(C)] scales using a calibrated, in-house developed smartphone application.
What was found
The Airbus A380-800 produced the lowest in-cabin sound pressure levels among the evaluated aircraft, while the Airbus A350-900 produced the highest. However, the overall difference in sound pressure levels across all five aircraft models was within 3 dB. Specific numerical decibel values were not reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
Understanding acoustic environments inside long-haul aircraft helps characterize baseline occupational and passenger noise exposure across modern wide-body fleets.
Limits
The abstract does not provide absolute decibel values, number of flights sampled, seat locations, flight phases, or environmental conditions. Measurements were performed using a calibrated smartphone application rather than dedicated Class 1 acoustic instrumentation, and no biological or subjective health outcomes were evaluated.
Cited by
- supports Airplane cabin noise is typically around 80 dB, motorcycle riding is about 100 dB, amplified concerts range between 110 and 120 dB, and jet engines produce around 140 dB.