Personal 'Hearing' issues in Helicopters (Aviation)
Thread Starter
HeliFirst
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 225
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From: Lincoln & Norwich
Personal 'Hearing' issues in Helicopters (Aviation)
Having been a Pilot / Instructor / Examiner in aviation, both helicopters and fixed wing, for the last 40 years I have been fortunate to still have good hearing.
I am in now my final year of retraining, qualified pre-reg as a Hearing Aid Audiologist.
I would like to 'research' any hearing issues that have affected you whilst flying.
Do you suffer from tinnitus? Did you always wear hearing protection etc.
I am in now my final year of retraining, qualified pre-reg as a Hearing Aid Audiologist.
I would like to 'research' any hearing issues that have affected you whilst flying.
Do you suffer from tinnitus? Did you always wear hearing protection etc.
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 0
From: Over here
I've been flying for just over 40 years. I always wear hearing protection. I have occasional brief periods of tinnitus, but it's not chronic or serious. I think it mostly occurs after being in a loud environment where I have no hearing protection. This happens now and then in restaurants, where the noise level is far too loud, but almost never during or after flying.
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Tinnitus Hidden Threat
Hello
There are many Hazards in aviation, but Tinnitus is generally Ignored, and many people suffer this insidious disease or symptom. Its deeply related with hyperacusis.
Noise cancelling headphones and ear plugs are necessary, and that bad practice of starting engines without wearing hearing protection, avoided.
Loss of license insurance dont cover tinnitus as a loss of licence cause, because they know the numbers.
There are many Hazards in aviation, but Tinnitus is generally Ignored, and many people suffer this insidious disease or symptom. Its deeply related with hyperacusis.
Noise cancelling headphones and ear plugs are necessary, and that bad practice of starting engines without wearing hearing protection, avoided.
Loss of license insurance dont cover tinnitus as a loss of licence cause, because they know the numbers.
"Just a pilot"
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 633
Likes: 8
From: Jefferson GA USA
45 years of flying
I use earplugs and muffs/headsets for the last 3 decades.
Hearing still pretty good except right ear, which I think was damaged by muzzle blast energy (shooting), occurred before current earplug designs. No tinnitus.
Hearing still pretty good except right ear, which I think was damaged by muzzle blast energy (shooting), occurred before current earplug designs. No tinnitus.
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Ross-on-Wye
Them ears
A little over 40 years handling rotary (14,500 hrs) plus another twenty sat in fixed wing piston, turbine and jets ... and yes, I have acquired the dreaded 'ear buzz' but have to say far from bad enough to have any adverse effect on my hearing while flying. In fact there's a small side benefit as I can hear the heart beating when sitting quietly and quite enjoy the steady drone at low rpm. Usually circa 165 resting and 10 or more higher standing/walking. Hope that's normal. Dennis K.
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 811
Likes: 11
From: Bar to Bar
I can thank 30 years plus in aviation for teaching me the art of the cocktail party effect. I can recognise my call sign over all the other crap and can recognise when Mrs Link offers me a cup of tea/beer/sandwich but can filter out all the other blah.
Thread Starter
HeliFirst
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln & Norwich
Hearing Aid Audiologist
Well after a tought year of academia, 24,000 words later, practicals all passed - I'm qualified FdSc Hearing Aid Audiologist and now registered as HAD with HCPC. (Health & Care Professions Council)
Any pilot with any hearing issues get in touch and I'll do my best to help.
ps. still fully qualified EASA ATPL/H FI and FE
ex ATPL/A TRI fixed wing
Any pilot with any hearing issues get in touch and I'll do my best to help.
ps. still fully qualified EASA ATPL/H FI and FE
ex ATPL/A TRI fixed wing
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Spain when I can
As a current PPL student (skills test next week). I only wear a decent David Clarke headset... Is it worth wearing ear phones as well??
Even with a headset on it does seem a noisy environment!!
thanks
Even with a headset on it does seem a noisy environment!!
thanks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Did my license I was 23 years old and as part of the medical did a complete hearing test. When I got to 55, I had to do another complete hearing test (regulations) and the result was exactly the same as when I was 23, after 14,000 hrs, 2/3 of that time wearing headsets (David Clark) and 1/3 with a Gentex Helmet SPH4.
JD
JD
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Terra
Congrats!
Congratulations on the title, Up & Away!
I would have to say you are in the right business.
Did not have a whole lot more to say, as I am personally no longer in this business. But still wanted to congratulate you on your achievement!
I would have to say you are in the right business.
Did not have a whole lot more to say, as I am personally no longer in this business. But still wanted to congratulate you on your achievement!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Langley, B.C. Canada
40 years and 23,000 rotary wing hours and my hearing is not good...tinnitus is very prominent. Seems the damage was done in the early years in Bell 47's with minimal, and sometimes no hearing protection....stupid me
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 909
Likes: 0
From: Holly Beach, Louisiana
HUH? WHAT DID YOU SAY?
The Forward Transmission in the Chinook combined with poor hearing protection in the Army Issue Helmet of the Day removed my HF Hearing and gave me a Ringing in my Ears that takes about full Volume on the stereo to overcome.
Children and Women with high pitched voices.....are unintelligible and only get Head Nods in response to anything they say.
The advantage is I have a built in excuse for not listening to a nattering Woman now.
The Forward Transmission in the Chinook combined with poor hearing protection in the Army Issue Helmet of the Day removed my HF Hearing and gave me a Ringing in my Ears that takes about full Volume on the stereo to overcome.
Children and Women with high pitched voices.....are unintelligible and only get Head Nods in response to anything they say.
The advantage is I have a built in excuse for not listening to a nattering Woman now.
