That would be suction noise not air loss. Check the hose connection on the maf sensor. Also have you actually checked the air box and the filter? You may have something blocking the inlet. You could drive it a little without the maf attached to the air box to see if this improve it.
Just remember you'll have no filtration etc, but it should be fine to give it a test, just don't do it in the wet or a really dusty day. Mild dampness is ideal.
