hearing loss and initial class 1 JAA
Hi!
I have a few concerns about the hearing requirements, as I consider starting my professional flight training.
I've just been to the initial JAA class 1 examination. Everything passed except my hearing. The CAA wanted a statement from an ear/nose/neck specialist regarding my hearing.
Here's how it went:
500 Hz: Fine
1000 Hz: Fine
2000 Hz: 30 dB hearing loss (should be better than, or equal to 20 dB)
3000 Hz: 35 dB hearing loss (fine, but precisely on the limit)
So 0.5 KHz, 1KHz and 3KHz I passed but not 2 KHz.
The requirements for the yearly checks are less:
Initial issue:
at 500hz=20db
at 1000hz=20db
at 2000hz=20db
at 3000hz=35db
Revalidation/renewal:
at 500hz=35db
at 1000hz=35db
at 2000hz=35db
at 3000hz=50db
So if I already was holding a class 1 medical, it would have been fine.
I'm 28 years old and I suspect my hearing loss is due to early Walkman use.
My question now is: Should I go ahead and start my career, or shouldn't I. I mean, I really don't want to lose my medical (and my job) at age 45 due to poor hearing....
I've also read that a number of pilots suffer from job related hearing loss, more than other work groups.
Previously (around 1998-1999), the initial requirements was 35 dB in all frequencies, then they changed it to the initial requirements as they are today.
I hold an FAA class 1 medical. Got that one a month ago.
No audiometrics required for the FAA medical. (But the AME stood 2 meters away from me, and I had ro repeat some numbers while holding for each ear, while my back turned towards her).
Any comments on this?
I wanted to be a professional pilot since the age of 11.
Should I let it be due to my hearing loss values?
What about hearing aid?