Hearing loss

[ptcaner]

Hello everyone. It’s Caner.

I have a bilateral hearing loss of 50 decibels at a frequency of 3000Hz in both ears. Additionally, there's a 40 decibel loss at 4000Hz and a 35 decibel loss at 2000Hz. I don't even have my PPL yet. I noticed this during the initial tests, wanting to ensure my health before becoming a commercial pilot and avoiding future financial loss. The aviation doctor advised me to see an ENT specialist, warning that it could be costly and to reconsider if it's a progressive condition. The ENT specialist mentioned it as a pre-existing damage likely from exposure to high noise levels. They stated it won't improve, but it's not a progressive condition. Now, do you think I can undergo training in flight schools with my Class 1 certificate and later join an airline? Could I risk losing my license if my hearing loss worsens? Are there specific options for cases like mine? I'm very curious about the experiences of someone in a similar situation. In your opinion, should I give up on my dreams?

[stevehernes]

A Class 1 medical certificate is typically required for commercial pilots, and hearing standards can vary among aviation authorities. Given your hearing loss, it's commendable that you proactively addressed the issue during initial tests. Consulting with an aviation medical examiner (AME) and adhering to their recommendations is a crucial step

[Lawk]

I think it is a risk especially if you are going ATPL. Above make sure that you eligible for the certificate.

[3Greens]

Hello everyone. It’s Caner.

I have a bilateral hearing loss of 50 decibels at a frequency of 3000Hz in both ears. Additionally, there's a 40 decibel loss at 4000Hz and a 35 decibel loss at 2000Hz. I don't even have my PPL yet. I noticed this during the initial tests, wanting to ensure my health before becoming a commercial pilot and avoiding future financial loss. The aviation doctor advised me to see an ENT specialist, warning that it could be costly and to reconsider if it's a progressive condition. The ENT specialist mentioned it as a pre-existing damage likely from exposure to high noise levels. They stated it won't improve, but it's not a progressive condition. Now, do you think I can undergo training in flight schools with my Class 1 certificate and later join an airline? Could I risk losing my license if my hearing loss worsens? Are there specific options for cases like mine? I'm very curious about the experiences of someone in a similar situation. In your opinion, should I give up on my dreams?
Did you get a class1 issued or not?
once youve got the initial class1, the reval is much more leniant. in fact i dontknow anyone whos lost a class 1 due hearing.

[Uplinker]

Wow, that is a huge hearing loss ! My sympathy. Hopefully you have an outer or middle ear problem that can be fixed.

Well done though for doing things this way round - you MUST gain an initial CAA/EASA Class 1 medical before going any further along the road to becoming a commercial pilot.


As a warning to others; Hearing loss, and damage to the inner ear due to exposure to loud sound is permanent and cannot be repaired. And you feel no pain while the damage is being done. So be careful with headphones, power tools, rock concerts, and doing walk-arounds without hearing protection. I have a set of slim Peltor ear defenders that fold up to something the size of my fists held together, so they easily fit into my flight bag.

Some lads who were breaking up a concrete floor for me, with very loud heavy breaker tools; had no ear protection at all, and they refused my offer of some ear defenders. They presumably thought ear defenders were cissy - but once damaged, that sort of hearing loss cannot be fixed.

Any ringing in the ears after loud sounds is bad and is a warning of damage being done.

Good luck :ok: