Does anyone know whether the ambient noise levels in, for example, an A320 in cruise are of sufficient magnitude to cause hearing damage over time?
I really need to get myself some earplugs for the walk around - walking near the Packs with the ACMs spinning + screaming and near the APU can't be good for your long term ability to hear.
To answer your question, A320, top of climb we turn the speaker on, take our headset off until briefing for descent.