Severe hearing loss and first class medical

[drgwentzel]

Hello,

I have a young flight student who has severe hearing loss in one ear. He’s asking me if he would qualify for a first class medical to start a career in aviation. I told him to talk to the flight surgeon, but I also told him I would post it here and see what kind of response I get. Does anyone have any thoughts on the matter?

 

[RyanB]

From what I understand it’s not a problem. As long as they can carry a conversation at a normal level than they’re fine.

As far as the regs go, it looks like you're supposed to get it tested according to 67.105(a). A cursory reading suggests that one ear is sufficient so long as the test is conducted in accordance with 67.105(a)(2). Hopefully an AME can provide more details. I will also refrain from pinging doc Chien, as he seems to get plagued by too much nonsense on here.

 

[Dave Theisen]

I have a friend who is deaf in one ear. He did a SODA ride and now has a waiver.