North Sea helicopter noise health concerns

The Norwegian Offshore Directorate (Havtil) ordered oil operators Equinor and Vår Energi to investigate health issues reported by personnel using Leonardo AW189 helicopters in the North Sea. Employees reported symptoms such as tinnitus, ear pain, nausea, and headaches. While technical modifications were implemented in the summer of 2026 to reduce cabin noise, Havtil noted that health incidents continued, prompting demands for a thorough analysis of causes and risk-reduction measures.

Following these investigations, Equinor reported over 500 health complaints related to the use of the AW189 helicopters. Internal records indicated 285 reports specifically concerning hearing problems and 241 cases involving nausea and discomfort caused by high-frequency noise and intense vibrations. Equinor maintained that the aircraft are safe to fly when double hearing protection is used and offered alternative aircraft to passengers who preferred not to use the AW189. Meanwhile, Vår Energi employees also reported significant tinnitus to regulators, with some accounts describing immediate numbness and hearing loss following flights.