Chickenhawk, I do not have a hearing problem so I can't say exactly how it is going to be for you but what I can say is that in my experience a good Headset (David clark etc)an will more than adequatley compensate for the lack of a hearing aid. There is plenty of amplification in both the radios and the intercom, most pilots myself included usually have the volume on the radios set fairly low and it is still quite loud.. .. .As for medical considerations The FAA are as always more progressive than the JAA. Here is how the FAA handle hearing problems.. .. .--------------------------------------------------. .. .FAA Certification Standards for Hearing. .The current regulations require that any applicant for an airman medical certificate be able to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room, using both ears, at a distance of 6 feet from the examiner, facing away from the examiner.. .. .For persons who cannot meet that requirement, the FAA allows for a Statement of Demonstrated Ability, or waiver, to be issued following satisfactory completion of additional testing. The Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners (attachment) details how the FAA determines that the hearing standard is met. Hearing aids are acceptable for any class of medical. If a hearing aid is required to meet the hearing standards, the aviation medical examiner may issue a medical certificate with the limitation "valid only with use of hearing amplification". If a headset is used in place of a hearing aid while flying, the FAA will require a medical flight test. After successful completion of the flight test, a Statement of Demonstrated Ability waiver (SODA) will be issued.. .. .For pilots who are asked to take a Medical Flight Test, the FAA inspector will be observing any or all of the following, as explained in the Flight Inspectors Handbook (FAA 8700.1 Chg. 3 10-1/89):. .. .the ability to hear radio, voice, and signal communications (marker beacons, Morse code identifiers) . .the ability to understand a normal, conversational voice level with the engine off and running, on the ground and while airborne, and with the engine at different power settings, and ensure the applicant is not lip reading by having the applicant respond to questions while looking away from the inspector. . .the ability to estimate a glide by sound in relation to speed . .the ability to recognize an approaching stall by change in sound related to a change in speed. .2. Observe an applicant with a total hearing loss demonstrate the following:. .. .Recognition of engine power loss or engine failure by a change in vibration and by instrument scan . .Recognition of approaching stall by aerodynamic buffet and visual cues . .Recognition of retractable gear emergencies (if in retractable gear aircraft) by observing gear warning lights.