Originally Posted by
Dr_Kroepoek
Hi Lex,
First of all thank you for sharing your story regarding your medical and hearing loss. I've been experiencing quite some similair problems but with hearing loss on more frequency's and both of my ears. It's nice to find someone who's is facing the similair problems I have. I'm really happy for you that you have sucesfully obtained the class 1 medical! Unfortunately I received the same answer from Dutch CAA as Eddy91.
Fortunately with hearing aids my hearing is passing the benchmarks stated by EASA and the Dutch authority. Unfortunately my hearing is too bad according to the Dutch CAA and I am aware of the guidelines in place by the UK CAA as well. The dutch authority doesn't want to allow hearing aids on the first intial assesment. In the UK however they are granting a class 2 initially and after completing PPL training they're will reconsider the case and could give a class 1 if the hearing is not interfered with the safety of flying. Please see below the quote from UK CAA and it's guidelines regarding this matter.
"Initial Class 1 with Hearing Loss
Initial applicants with a hearing loss of more than 35dB at any of the frequencies 500Hz, 1000Hz or 2000Hz, or more than 50dB at 3000Hz, in either ear separately should have an assessment carried out by a consultant ENT specialist to identify or exclude underlying pathology, assess stability of hearing loss and establish suitability for a hearing aid. The application should then be referred to a medical assessor.
A newly diagnosed hearing loss at an initial medical, with no evidence of stability, may require a number of months to elapse and then repeat audiometry to be undertaken before certification can be considered.
Class 1 applicants, with hearing aids that are well tolerated and suitable for aviation purposes and which enable them to meet the audiogram requirements, should follow the guidance below.
Initial Class 1 applicants with hearing outside the standards set out in MED.B.080 (a)(1)(ii), who can demonstrate stability and no significant underlying pathology, may be considered for Class 2 certification initially with a satisfactory report from a functional hearing test (see Profound Hearing Loss below). Following the issue of a Class 2 medical certificate, the successful completion of PPL training will be considered to demonstrate that hypoacusis does not interfere with the safe exercise of the privileges and Class 1 certification will be considered with SSL (Special Restriction as Specified) limitation “Functional Hearing Assessment Required within 3 months of renewal/revalidation medical”."
I've send you a PM as I want to get in touch with you regarding this issue you've had. For example I would like to get in touch with the ENT specialist who's specialized with aviation so that they can advice me in this matter as well. I hope you could help me a bit further!
I wish you manny happy flying hours and landings!
Hey @Dr_Kroepoek, thank you for sharing and looking for answers and help. So, from what I understand here, you are also on a situation where they are not giving the option of doing a functional hearing flight and or going on a simulator? and also, are they saying that they don't want you to use hearing aids as initial? Well, to me, he was the doctor from the IAA, that mentioned that maybe I could use it. So, it is not a guarantee. I am being followed by an ENT Specialist but not in aviation and now i am not sure what to do because also my money is not infinite lol Anyway if you would not mind to give more updates in the near future so I could have some help too or guidance.
Thank you and good luck.
Eddy