In 1979, the Naval Security Group Headquarters requested the Acoustical Sciences Division, Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory (NAHRL), to determine the extent to which radio headsets being used at naval communication stations posed a potential damage risk to hearing.
The purpose of this technical memorandum is to document data obtained during a site visit at the naval communication station located near Homestead Air Force Base, Florida. The data-gathering visit followed a preliminary information-gathering visit to the naval communication station known as Northwest. Conclusions of the data-gathering field study were as follows: (1) Manual Morse code operators face a significant probability of exposure to hazardous noise levels; (2) the type or headset used is not a primary factor in the noise exposure of manual Morse operators; (3) the new automated signal acquisition system will probably increase operator noise exposure; and (4) ambient noise levels do not constitute a significant source of noise exposure for manual Morse code operators.
Special thanks to James Smith, former CTR2 (1968-1971), for providing this report.
Station HYPO 
17 June 2019 at 02:28
I wonder if any such hearing evaluation was made in communications centers? I due know for fact that depending upon the equipment used the noise in commcens was extremely loud if they were busy relay stations (either major or minor stations). Noisiest were those commcens using Klienschmidt equipment while those using Teletype Corporation equipments were a bit quieter. These observations were made during all but 2 and 1/2 years of my 30 plus years career including assignments at NSA TCOM and shipboard on USS OXFORD (AG159/AGTR-1) and USS TRINGA (ASR-16). Having teletype monitors on fleet broadcasts (continuous for 24 hours) at both shore and afloat units, and tape and printer monitoring units at all relay stations the noise was a fact of life. CTOC James R. King, USN, Retired
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21 June 2019 at 04:11
I’m so pleased to find this. I was a CTR3 stationed on Midway ISLAND 1970-71 and Wahiawa 1971-73. And out after 4 years. I have had hearing loss and tinnitus for a long time. A vet friend of mine suggested I file a claim with the VA which was denied several times and then acknowledged that I probably have tinnitus but no compensation. I hope this report can help my case. Thanks
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22 June 2019 at 16:12
Rick McIvor: I had the same experience when I applied for hearing loss disability. I was denied 3 times. I then followed a suggestion from a colleague and visited with the DAV rep ( Disabled American Veterans) at my VA Regional Med Ctr in Houston. The rep took all my paperwork (applications, pleadings, letters, rejection letters) and told me, “I’ll handle this from here. You’ll hear from me when I know something.) A month later, he called and said…”Not approved…but don’t give up. I’ll wait a month and file it again…and I’ll keep doing that until it’s approved.” It was disapproved another time or two…and then I got the APPROVED call from the DAV guy. They granted 10% disability (About $130/mo), but more importantly they outfitted me with fantastic hearing aids with unlimited free batteries and lifetime warranty. I looked up the manufacturer when I got them and learned that they were made by the second largest hearing aid manufacturer in the world…and that, if I had had to buy them at retail (in 2011) they would’ve cost $3,500 each. They also came with a blue-tooth that connected them to my cell phone…and to my television, so I get audio direct via my hearing aids when using either.
Bottom line. If you still haven’t gotten a disability…VISIT THE DAV AND ASK THEM IF THEY CAN HELP.
Jim Young, Sr.
jimyoungsr@gmail.com
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22 June 2019 at 17:39
Jim, thanks for your comments. Very helpful. It often seems like we are alone in our efforts with no one to turn to for assistance. I have received help from the VFW with paperwork etc. If I contact the DAV wouldn’t that create some double effort and confusion? Thanks again for your comments. Greatly appreciated.
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