The CAF Wings Over Houston show is October 18 – 19, 2025. If you’re traveling from Katy to watch aircraft whoosh around the sky, there’s one thing you need to keep in mind: how the sonic booms will impact your hearing.
What’s a Sonic Boom?
A sonic boom happens when an aircraft flies faster than the speed of sound, which is about 767 miles per hour or 343 meters per second. When the plane pushes through this barrier, air molecules form shockwaves that ripple outward in a cone-like shape. As those waves hit the ground, we hear them as an intense, thunder-like boom.
The effect isn’t just a single bang. As the aircraft continues traveling faster than sound, it trails that cone of compressed air, creating a rolling boom that follows the flight path until the aircraft slows down or lands.
How Loud Can It Get?
NASA estimates that a typical boom reaches about 110 decibels. For perspective, that’s similar to turning your phone volume all the way up with headphones in. Sounds at this level can cause temporary or permanent hearing damage if you’re not wearing hearing protection.
Are Commercial Flights Hearing-Safe?
Commercial flights don’t produce sonic booms. Passenger planes cruise below supersonic speeds, typically generating cabin noise between 60 and 85 decibels depending on the stage of flight. While that level may be annoying at times, it usually isn’t harmful, especially since you’re only on the plane for a limited time.
Instead, military jets, test aircraft and demonstrations at air shows are more likely to create sonic booms. If you live in or visit an area where supersonic aircraft operate, like near an air base or during special events, you’re more likely to encounter one.
Protecting Your Ears
If you plan to attend an air show or work in aviation, it’s smart to prepare for loud environments. Simple foam or silicone earplugs provide strong protection while still allowing you to enjoy the spectacle. Over-the-ear earmuffs are recommended for professionals on the tarmac or close to takeoffs.
If you experience ringing in your ears or difficulty hearing after exposure to loud aircraft noise, it may be a sign of hearing damage. A hearing test can detect changes early and provide options for treatment.
Contact Davies Institute for Speech & Hearing to schedule your hearing test today.