Hearing

[matt_k_craven]

Hey all,
just wondering what sort/ how stringent the hearing test part of the class 1 medical actually is. Unfortunately I have poorer hearing in one hear than the other and have been contemplating if this would/should affect me. Well if Bruce Dickinson (iron maiden) has his medical after years of concerts then hopefully i will have no problem. Just a few thoughts.....

[Flyin'Dutch']

Hi Matt,

You can find information about the hearing tests and levels required on this forum by doing a search (have a look in the header of the forums) or by looking it up on the CAA website under the medical section and requirements.

Best of luck

FD

PS felt generous so hearby (sic!) the link to the CAA webpage that is applicable!

[My names Turkish]

I had a bit of a scare with my first Class One Medical. They give you a form and one of the questions was " Do you have better hearing in one ear over the other?" To which I answered yes. I have normal hearing but I noticed while lying in bed one night depending on which side I lay on I could hear the alarm clocking ticking slightly better in one Ear over the other. Now we are talking shades of a degree here, but I thought it was better to be honest. Admitting to something makes them dig for a problem more than they would had you said nothing. I was eventually cleared but the most important thing I learned for myself and would offer to you is this: "ADMIT NOTHING!" Its their job to find a problem,and if it is serious enough they will, but dont help them!!

[K2SkyRider]

Before you go to Gatwick

Matt,

If in doubt, ask your GP to check your ears. Explain that you think your hearing isn't quite as it should be and ask for an audiogram - it's free! The audiogram is conducted in a similar way to the Class 1 and you should get results showing attenuation (hearing loss) at certain frequencies - 500, 1000, 2000, 5000Hz I think. You can then compare your results with the values quoted on the CAA website and decide whether or not you stand a good chance of passing.

Your ears may be blocked with ear wax, which can impair hearing, so your GP may suggest warm olive oil drops at night and a possible ear syringe session (although this is becoming rare). The olive oil helps to soften the ear wax and eventually removes it.

Hope this helps.

K2

[matt_k_craven]

Thanks for the info guys, and I will be making the trip to the GP shortly K2, cheers for the advice as I wasn't sure whether you could get an audiogram as easily as it now appears. Anyway I hopefully will be all good and if not then I always have my class 2 for my PPL, which is better than nothin!