hearing loss and initial class 1 JAA
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hearing loss and initial class 1 JAA
Hi!
I have a few concerns about the hearing requirements, as I consider starting my professional flight training.
I've just been to the initial JAA class 1 examination. Everything passed except my hearing. The CAA wanted a statement from an ear/nose/neck specialist regarding my hearing.
Here's how it went:
500 Hz: Fine
1000 Hz: Fine
2000 Hz: 30 dB hearing loss (should be better than, or equal to 20 dB)
3000 Hz: 35 dB hearing loss (fine, but precisely on the limit)
So 0.5 KHz, 1KHz and 3KHz I passed but not 2 KHz.
The requirements for the yearly checks are less:
Initial issue:
at 500hz=20db
at 1000hz=20db
at 2000hz=20db
at 3000hz=35db
Revalidation/renewal:
at 500hz=35db
at 1000hz=35db
at 2000hz=35db
at 3000hz=50db
So if I already was holding a class 1 medical, it would have been fine.
I'm 28 years old and I suspect my hearing loss is due to early Walkman use.
My question now is: Should I go ahead and start my career, or shouldn't I. I mean, I really don't want to lose my medical (and my job) at age 45 due to poor hearing....
I've also read that a number of pilots suffer from job related hearing loss, more than other work groups.
Previously (around 1998-1999), the initial requirements was 35 dB in all frequencies, then they changed it to the initial requirements as they are today.
I hold an FAA class 1 medical. Got that one a month ago.
No audiometrics required for the FAA medical. (But the AME stood 2 meters away from me, and I had ro repeat some numbers while holding for each ear, while my back turned towards her).
Any comments on this?
I wanted to be a professional pilot since the age of 11.
Should I let it be due to my hearing loss values?
What about hearing aid?
I have a few concerns about the hearing requirements, as I consider starting my professional flight training.
I've just been to the initial JAA class 1 examination. Everything passed except my hearing. The CAA wanted a statement from an ear/nose/neck specialist regarding my hearing.
Here's how it went:
500 Hz: Fine
1000 Hz: Fine
2000 Hz: 30 dB hearing loss (should be better than, or equal to 20 dB)
3000 Hz: 35 dB hearing loss (fine, but precisely on the limit)
So 0.5 KHz, 1KHz and 3KHz I passed but not 2 KHz.
The requirements for the yearly checks are less:
Initial issue:
at 500hz=20db
at 1000hz=20db
at 2000hz=20db
at 3000hz=35db
Revalidation/renewal:
at 500hz=35db
at 1000hz=35db
at 2000hz=35db
at 3000hz=50db
So if I already was holding a class 1 medical, it would have been fine.
I'm 28 years old and I suspect my hearing loss is due to early Walkman use.
My question now is: Should I go ahead and start my career, or shouldn't I. I mean, I really don't want to lose my medical (and my job) at age 45 due to poor hearing....
I've also read that a number of pilots suffer from job related hearing loss, more than other work groups.
Previously (around 1998-1999), the initial requirements was 35 dB in all frequencies, then they changed it to the initial requirements as they are today.
I hold an FAA class 1 medical. Got that one a month ago.
No audiometrics required for the FAA medical. (But the AME stood 2 meters away from me, and I had ro repeat some numbers while holding for each ear, while my back turned towards her).
Any comments on this?
I wanted to be a professional pilot since the age of 11.
Should I let it be due to my hearing loss values?
What about hearing aid?
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Hi, I too have the same problem. Can pass the re-newal test but not the initial. T'is a bumber indeed.
According to the CAA website, if you can pass the renwal test, they will 'discuss your options'. This means they are not automatically saying NO! Further research on the internet led me to believe that the CAA, in some cases, ask you to do a test similar to that of the FAA and stand, with your back facing the AME, to repeat numbers whispered by the medical examiner. If you can recal the numbers you are fine.
A friend of mine in the RAF (University Air Squadron) failed his hearing test and had to get checked out for neck and ears etc.. by a specialist and they passed him straight after his examination and now flys in the RAF.
I'm only 21 and want to become a commercal Pilot and my hearing is making me very nervous indeed. Until i had a hearing test i thought my hearing was spot on!
Anyway i hope this helps
Cpt Collins
According to the CAA website, if you can pass the renwal test, they will 'discuss your options'. This means they are not automatically saying NO! Further research on the internet led me to believe that the CAA, in some cases, ask you to do a test similar to that of the FAA and stand, with your back facing the AME, to repeat numbers whispered by the medical examiner. If you can recal the numbers you are fine.
A friend of mine in the RAF (University Air Squadron) failed his hearing test and had to get checked out for neck and ears etc.. by a specialist and they passed him straight after his examination and now flys in the RAF.
I'm only 21 and want to become a commercal Pilot and my hearing is making me very nervous indeed. Until i had a hearing test i thought my hearing was spot on!
Anyway i hope this helps
Cpt Collins
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I was in exactly the same position as you guys. As a rock musician, I suffered hearing loss in both ears, and as a result when it came to my initial class 1 I just came within revalidation standards.
Now here's the interesting part:- the CAA (apparently no other JAA state) can issue your class 1 medical with a "deviation" if they deem that your hearing isn't so bad as to affect your performance in the cockpit (obviously as long as everything else is ok). After passing your CPL, you then go back to them and they will remove the deviation, all else still being medically sound. Bingo, regular class 1.
The above is what happened to me. I was absolutely terrified when the audiogram results came through, but from my experience these guys really DO want you to get through, and will be as helpful as is possible.
Hope this is of some help,
FT
Now here's the interesting part:- the CAA (apparently no other JAA state) can issue your class 1 medical with a "deviation" if they deem that your hearing isn't so bad as to affect your performance in the cockpit (obviously as long as everything else is ok). After passing your CPL, you then go back to them and they will remove the deviation, all else still being medically sound. Bingo, regular class 1.
The above is what happened to me. I was absolutely terrified when the audiogram results came through, but from my experience these guys really DO want you to get through, and will be as helpful as is possible.
Hope this is of some help,
FT
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<a>The above is what happened to me. I was absolutely terrified when the audiogram results came through, but from my experience these guys really DO want you to get through, and will be as helpful as is possible.</a>
Thanks for the input guys. I was also terrified when the audiogram came through. I had a few tests left after I got the audigram result, and I felt like a robot during the rest of the tests. I passed all the tests apart from the hearing. The EEG with all the wires connected to my head was quite amusing.
Anyway, now I realize that I had a bit of flu when I did the audio test. And also Mononucleose (that's a bad thing - you only have it once in a lifetime). So perhaps the result will be better when I go see the ear/nose/neck/ specialist.
I think I will get the class 1 medical. What I'm much more concerned about is the future audio tests. If I go for this education, will my hearing last until retirement age? If not, it must be a terrible depressive issue if it happens when I'm around 40-50 years old. I hold two Bachelor's degrees (Business Administration and IT). But these will be stoneage in 15-20 years. Nonetheless, they provide some sense of security though.
FliegerTiger - how old were you when you started your flight training and are you an employed professional pilot today?
What is your view on your future in tems of your hearing loss and profession?
Thanks for the input guys. I was also terrified when the audiogram came through. I had a few tests left after I got the audigram result, and I felt like a robot during the rest of the tests. I passed all the tests apart from the hearing. The EEG with all the wires connected to my head was quite amusing.
Anyway, now I realize that I had a bit of flu when I did the audio test. And also Mononucleose (that's a bad thing - you only have it once in a lifetime). So perhaps the result will be better when I go see the ear/nose/neck/ specialist.
I think I will get the class 1 medical. What I'm much more concerned about is the future audio tests. If I go for this education, will my hearing last until retirement age? If not, it must be a terrible depressive issue if it happens when I'm around 40-50 years old. I hold two Bachelor's degrees (Business Administration and IT). But these will be stoneage in 15-20 years. Nonetheless, they provide some sense of security though.
FliegerTiger - how old were you when you started your flight training and are you an employed professional pilot today?
What is your view on your future in tems of your hearing loss and profession?
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pgpilot,
I was 32 when I took my initial Class 1.
I'm not really too worried about the hearing now, once the initial is out of the way, there are various ways to keep it even if you fall below revalidation standards. I have been given a form by my AME - in the case of my hearing falling below the required standards, I have a check-ride with a Chief Flying Instructor, and he ticks all the relevant boxes as regards compliance with ATC and understanding all the RT, etc.
As long as the loss is not too bad, I don't think it's a problem. I hear of plenty of deaf pilots out there!
I would go for it.
FT
I was 32 when I took my initial Class 1.
I'm not really too worried about the hearing now, once the initial is out of the way, there are various ways to keep it even if you fall below revalidation standards. I have been given a form by my AME - in the case of my hearing falling below the required standards, I have a check-ride with a Chief Flying Instructor, and he ticks all the relevant boxes as regards compliance with ATC and understanding all the RT, etc.
As long as the loss is not too bad, I don't think it's a problem. I hear of plenty of deaf pilots out there!
I would go for it.
FT
My NIHL from a full career in military helos is: (both ears)
1000HZ-50dB
2000HZ-50dB
3000Hz-55dB
I've hearing aids both ears, anyone any experience of CAA attitude towards hearing aids? Also, the CAA renewal thresholds are lower based on aircrew experience, doesn't 30 years military aviation count? Clearly I couldn't get close to the Class 1 required for an initial issue CPL(H), and even with hearing aids I'd be struggling to renew?
1000HZ-50dB
2000HZ-50dB
3000Hz-55dB
I've hearing aids both ears, anyone any experience of CAA attitude towards hearing aids? Also, the CAA renewal thresholds are lower based on aircrew experience, doesn't 30 years military aviation count? Clearly I couldn't get close to the Class 1 required for an initial issue CPL(H), and even with hearing aids I'd be struggling to renew?
