Decibel level of inside the cabin of a particular plane: ATR 42-500?

Question

I will be flying in the ATR 42-500 propeller plane and with ear issues, I'd like to know if anyone knows the decibel level inside the cabin? Any information or help would be great. Thanks!

Answer 1

Not sure about the ATR 42-500, but I recently had an audiogram for my job that involves working with loud heavy equipment and there was a comparison on the chart of noise levels of various things, and one of them was a similar aircraft, the Dash 8/Q-400.  The Q-400 cabin noise level is extremely high...sustained above 92 dB, well above the commonly used threshold for potential of permanent hearing loss.  I was surprised that the aircraft is that loud.  

As a matter of interest, I took a decimeter on a ride on a B-17 once and it pegged the needle at 100 dB.  Louder than an F-15 taking off in full afterburner at the departure end of the runway.  

EDIT:

Are you riding in the airplane for just one trip or are you going to have repeated, long-term exposure (i.e., regular trips)?  If it's just one trip, it's not likely to cause any further hearing damage, especially since it is probably a short trip anyway (considering that these turboprops only fly shorter hops).  If you will be regularly flying in this aircraft many times, it may be worthwhile wearing some sort of hearing protection. It's not so much the noise level itself that is a problem as it is the duration of exposure to the noise level.  You could wear foam earplugs that you buy at the hardware store or Home Depot...they reduce the noise level by about 30 dB when worn properly (well below the hearing damage/loss level).

Answer 2

I don't know but you should look up tips on scuba divers ear preparation for diving. Should help in the air too.

Answer 3

ATR-42/72 are generally louder than a jet (J-41,EMB). Back when I worked for Trans States airline, we removed the sound/insulating blankets from the wheels/wing back to the door.  

The ATR sound more like a C-130 than anything else, a low rumble.