Acoustic neuroma. Can I fly with 1 ear?

[Lowfl]

Dear all,

I was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma last November. This month after the second MRI, doctors made clear I will need treatment. There are two options.

1. Operation: They will try to fully remove the tumor, but hearing in my right ear (my affected side) will go, plus possible damage to facial nerve. This will involve an 8-10hr operation.

2. Radiotherapy: To stop the growth of the tumor. Tumor will remain approximately the same size over time. Hearing will be saved, most likely for the next 5-10 years, but will go eventually as well. They won't cut my head open, but over the next 10-20 years another tumor could start growing because of the radiation. In that case I would require operation.


I got my Class 1 medical back with OML restriction after diagnosis because the doctors went for 'watch and wait' method. For my decision I would like to know if anyone knows anything about the ability to hold a Class 1 medical with deafness in 1 ear and possible Cross hearing aids?? I struggle to find information and have contacted my AME, but he takes his time.

Any (personal) experience on acoustic neuroma's is more than welcome. And also please don't hesitate if you can put me in touch with another pilot who is dealing with the same situation, or has dealt with it.

There is a nice UK CAA table that shows some guidance(EASA rules). Nothing clearly stated about flying with 1 ear. I can't post URLs yet. But if you google CAA acoustic neuroma, it will come up straight away.

Many thanks and happy landings!!

[Loose rivets]

You'd think if you can hold a Class I with only one eye, it should be logical to pass with hearing only on one side. The number of people in my day that only used one ear was extraordinary.

[421dog]

brand new FAA AME direction with regard to provision of certification in airmen with AN this month.
Briefly, if it was treated aggressively, and no recurrence is evident at five years, Issue.
If otherwise, defer (but not necessarily deny, the verbiage suggests that a call to the RFS might make an issuance possible in many circumstances)

[vic1]

,Dear all,

I was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma last November. This month after the second MRI, doctors made clear I will need treatment. There are two options.

1. Operation: They will try to fully remove the tumor, but hearing in my right ear (my affected side) will go, plus possible damage to facial nerve. This will involve an 8-10hr operation.

2. Radiotherapy: To stop the growth of the tumor. Tumor will remain approximately the same size over time. Hearing will be saved, most likely for the next 5-10 years, but will go eventually as well. They won't cut my head open, but over the next 10-20 years another tumor could start growing because of the radiation. In that case I would require operation.


I got my Class 1 medical back with OML restriction after diagnosis because the doctors went for 'watch and wait' method. For my decision I would like to know if anyone knows anything about the ability to hold a Class 1 medical with deafness in 1 ear and possible Cross hearing aids?? I struggle to find information and have contacted my AME, but he takes his time.

Any (personal) experience on acoustic neuroma's is more than welcome. And also please don't hesitate if you can put me in touch with another pilot who is dealing with the same situation, or has dealt with it.

There is a nice UK CAA table that shows some guidance(EASA rules). Nothing clearly stated about flying with 1 ear. I can't post URLs yet. But if you google CAA acoustic neuroma, it will come up straight away.

Many thanks and happy landings!!

Dear Lowfl,
I fly for an airline and was diagnosed with AN in an MRI taken in Oct 18 after a history of asymmetric hearing loss in the Right ear. This was the first time it was diagnosed as I never had a MRI done prior to this. Met a few Nuero surgeons and they gave me similar advice as yours. The (Indian) DGCA cleared me for flying with Class I for 6 months. I have just recently got a repeat MRI done and there is no change in size of the AN. I have no other complaints. Hoping they will grant me Class I again although I could see the Aviation Medicine guy at the medical Centre making some disapproving faces. BTW, it would be nice to exchange notes. Please message me on +918800361444 on Whatsapp. I could argue my case better if I have your facts. Thanks in advance. Reply urgently.
Vic

[vic1]

brand new FAA AME direction with regard to provision of certification in airmen with AN this month.
Briefly, if it was treated aggressively, and no recurrence is evident at five years, Issue.
If otherwise, defer (but not necessarily deny, the verbiage suggests that a call to the RFS might make an issuance possible in many circumstances)
Hi 421dog,
Could you share a link if possible. This means a lot to me as I am in the risk of losing my Class I medical due to an aviation Medical ‘Specialist’ who seems to suggest that my AN may cause sudden incapacitation, when then I am asymtomatic and the size of the AN is constant in the repeat MRI. Please help. Thanks.
Vic

[ASRAAMTOO]

From the EASA Guidelines:
https://www.caa.co.uk/Aeromedical-Examiners/Medical-standards/Pilots-(EASA)/Conditions/Otorhinolaryngology/Otorhinolaryngology-guidance-material-GM/#EarConAcoustic Neuroma
On diagnosis, the applicant should be made unfit. If clinical management is a ‘watch and wait’ policy, the applicant can be recertified to Class 1 OML/unrestricted Class 2. Follow-up MRI reports should be forwarded to CAA Medical. An applicant with symptoms, or if a decision is made to treat, should be made unfit pending full recovery from symptoms or treatment.

Following surgery, recertification depends on surgical approach, extent of removal and post op symptoms. If brain has been retracted during operation the risk of seizure should be considered. Normally, following full recovery, a fit class 1 OML or unrestricted Class 2 assessment is appropriate. Can consider unrestricted Class 1 at 12 months post-operatively if the imaging shows complete resection of the tumour and there are no seizures or balance disturbance. Following radiotherapy, certification is possible as Class 1 OML/unrestricted Class 2 on recovery (minimum 4 weeks following completion of treatment). Unrestricted certification can be considered 1 year after the completion date of radiotherapy, subject to imaging showing complete resection of the tumour and there being no seizures or balance disturbance.
Medical reports to download - ENT (https://www.caa.co.uk/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=4294973702) (PDF)

[ManuelMC]

Hi everyone , and first of all thank you for your time.

I would like to know if there is anyone on this forum who has experienced something similar to what is happening to me.

I’m a professional pilot, 32 years old, and recently, I have experienced a hearing loss in my right ear of 70db in 3 frequencies, 500hz, 1000hz and 2000hz, the conversation frequencies 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️. The other ear is perfect, with a normal audiogram.

My Class 1 has been suspended until they see how the disease evolves, and unfortunately I don't notice improvement. The doctor says that maybe is possible to recover my class 1 by putting on a hearing aid, and doing a functional test to see if I understand the words wearing a hearing aid. Then, they would endorse the HAL limitation contemplated by the EASA regulations. In addition to this, they told me that they would put another limitation to pass an ENT examination and hearing check each year and perhaps another to only use my atributions in multi-pilot aircraft.

Is there anyone here who has experienced the same as me? I would like to know if someone was in my case, how many and what kind of limitations the medical put on them, to be prepared when I pass my recognition, or if they can give me some tips.

I understand that the important thing is to recover the medical certificate and fly again😩

Thank you very much and I look forward to your responses.