Typhaerion From United States of America, joined Jun 2005, 619 posts, RR: 4 Posted (5 years 2 months 3 weeks ago) and read 2780 times:
Greetings everyone.
I have a relative that was born with partial hearing loss. It is correctable with hearing aids, and she can hear without them (and frequently doesn't wear them).
She has aspirations to be a commercial pilot and I am wondering if her hearing will prevent her from obtaining the required First Class Medical Certification.
I guess I am asking if there are pilots out there with hearing aids and how that has affected you.
Thanks in advance for sharing!
For some, the sky is the limit. For us, it is only the beginning... -- Jack Hunt
Mir From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 19719 posts, RR: 56 Reply 1, posted (5 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 2756 times:
Best person to ask would be the AME who's going to give her the medical exam. If they say no, there are other avenues that you could pursue (like a Statement of Demonstrated Ability).
-Mir
7 billion, one nation, imagination...it's a beautiful day
Swiftski From Australia, joined Dec 2006, 2701 posts, RR: 2 Reply 2, posted (5 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 2735 times:
Quoting Typhaerion (Thread starter): She has aspirations to be a commercial pilot and I am wondering if her hearing will prevent her from obtaining the required First Class Medical Certification.
I guess I am asking if there are pilots out there with hearing aids and how that has affected you.
I did my CASA Class 1 on Wednesday. (Australia)
It is my understanding that the audiogram has to be unaided. It's a bit tricky as you have to listen for some low volume/frequency beeps and react when hearing them.
Suggest to book in for a medical; it costs what it costs but the result will be a clean bill of health for the rest of her, and an accurate answer for FAA standards, which from experience I do not have. FWIW there are no prerequisites to take a Class 1 medical; anyone can do it.
RichM From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2004, 794 posts, RR: 11 Reply 3, posted (5 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 2703 times:
She could get a class 2 afaik which would enable her to attain a PPL with restrictions, i.e. no radio communications. As for CPL/ATPL, I very much doubt that she'd be able to get a CPL or an ATPL if she requires the use of a hearing aid.
It's odd though, as pilots can wear glasses providing that they take a spare pair with them when they fly, but they can't wear hearing aids? I think if hearing impairment was more common (to the extent of requiring hearing aids) then this restriction may not exist (first paragraph) and I would imagine that they'd be given similar treatment to those who are visually impaired. (Seems like a big term, but that basically defines all of you who wear glasses) At the moment though, I think the situation has been overlooked given that the only workaround is the one explained in my first paragraph, which isn't very useful if you want to fly for a living!
Typhaerion From United States of America, joined Jun 2005, 619 posts, RR: 4 Reply 4, posted (5 years 2 months 2 weeks 6 days 22 hours ago) and read 2683 times:
Ok, so what I am seeing is the best way to check this is to have her go take a class 1 medical exam.
The FARs on it seem a bit ambiguous, so I guess this is what I am going to have to do.
I appreciate all three of you for your help. If anyone else knows something please feel free to chime in at any time.
For some, the sky is the limit. For us, it is only the beginning... -- Jack Hunt
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