Airplane cabin noise—mainly from engines—can cause discomfort and potentially harm hearing, even at levels considered safe. Prolonged exposure may lead to fatigue and health issues. Experts recommend using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones and choosing seats away from the engines to reduce impact.

The article by QC’s Daniel Fink in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology discusses the safe noise exposure levels needed to prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). It emphasizes that prolonged or excessive noise exposure can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and hyperacusis.

The editorial by Dr. Daniel Fink advocates for a newly adopted definition of noise as "unwanted and/or harmful sound." This redefinition was endorsed by the International Commission on Biological Effects of Noise and highlights the need to acknowledge both unwanted auditory disturbances and their detrimental health effects.