PPL, headsets, advice for hearing impaired

[siwalker66]

I am considering setting out on my PPL. I have a bilaterate moderately severe hearing loss due to meningitis. Wearing a hearing aid on one side allows me to function without too many problems although I would have trouble background noise. The solution is probably to use a headset with good noise attenuation, individual volume controls but these appear to be costly (~£600).. .What medical restrictions are there?. .(Spare hearing aid might be an idea too <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" /> ). . . . <small>[ 19 March 2002, 07:27: Message edited by: chickenhawk66 ]</small>

[inverted flatspin]

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.

[Flatspin Fumble]

Chickenhawk. .Why not give the CAA a call - am sure you will find them very helpful and probably have some published info about it. Good luck

[siwalker66]

Inverted Flatspin:. .Many thanks for the detailed reply. I think I would usually pass the 6 feet test you mention. The amplification of radio and headset sounds quite promising; can you say more about the quality of the sound though - is there as much static and hiss as TV news / onboard cameras would have us believe?. .Usually, however, I use quite a bit of lip reading to assist when there is background noise. . .In the absence of lip reading sheer volume usually does the trick!. .Will look at CAA site and contact them. Thanks.. .. .Engine notes etc will present less of a problem.. . . . <small>[ 20 March 2002, 17:49: Message edited by: chickenhawk66 ]</small>

[inverted flatspin]

There is very little back ground noise or static, you can eliminate virtually all static with the squelch control and if you want to eliminate all the background noise an active noise reducing headset will do the trick these are expensive though and you may not even need them. . .. .Last bit of advice if you do go for a FAA medical and require a SODA (statement of demonstrated ability) "the flight test" , make sure that you get a first class medical. . .. .The reason for this is because if you get a third class medical (for private flying) and a SODA this will be noted on the SODA so your AME will only be able to renew a third class medical, if you later decide to do some flying that requires a first or second class medical then the FAA may require you to do the flight test again, usually they are pretty ok about not requiring extra testing but just in case get the first class at the beginning. Your AME will be able to renew any class of medical with a first class SODA so long as you otherwise meet the requirements.. .. .Good luck

[siwalker66]

Thanks to all for the advice. It looks as if it is a problem that will not prevent me flying.. .I would be interested in hearing from someone who regularly flies GA with a hearing aid that they actually need to use all the time - gottaq be one out there - and do any have any strong views that it could affect my and others safety?