Can pilots fly with hearing loss?

Yes, an individual who is deaf can obtain a pilot certificate in one of the five categories of aircraft: airplane, rotorcraft, glider, powered-lift, or lighter-than-air.



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Again, FAA hearing standards allow the use of BOTH ears to pass, not just EACH ear. A pilot could be completely deaf in one ear and still meet FAA standards. This may present problems in the cockpit using an earpiece in one ear for radio communications and spoken voice for crew cockpit communications.

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The FAA allows the use of implants for medical certification, but you will need FAA authorization before resuming your flying privileges.

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Pilots need hearing protection because the sound levels within the cockpit can reach between 80 to 95 dB. Sounds at or below 70 dBA are generally considered safe. Any sound at or above 85 dBA is more likely to damage your hearing over time, therefore pilots should wear hearing protection.

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What medical conditions does the FAA consider disqualifying?
  • Angina pectoris.
  • Bipolar disease.
  • Cardiac valve replacement.
  • Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant.
  • Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medications.


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Who should not travel by air? Diseases that prevent you from boarding a plane
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • A recent stroke.
  • Infectious diseases, such as chickenpox, influenza or even COVID-19.
  • A recent surgery.
  • A pregnancy of over 28 weeks.
  • Angina (chest pain at rest)


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Acoustic neuromas, benign tumors that grow in the inner ear that can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and disequilibrium similar to vertigo, also are disqualifying until reviewed by the FAA. Meniere's disease is a particular problem for pilots because of the quick onset and severity of symptoms.

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But if you've ever felt compelled to applaud the pilot for landing safely, think again. Pilots actually hate it when passengers clap.

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After a rough flight, either because of turbulence or delays, it's not unusual for Americans to sarcastically applaud upon landing. But other nationalities, primarily from Central and South America and the Caribbean, commonly clap every time the wheels touch down to show respect to the pilots and flight attendants.

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Chewing is another practice that helps pilots to relieve ear popping. Just like yawning or swallowing liquids, chewing also stretches areas around the ears, equalizing the pressure inside the ear.

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Chewing is another practice that helps pilots to relieve ear popping. Just like yawning or swallowing liquids, chewing also stretches areas around the ears, equalizing the pressure inside the ear. Chewing gum, gummy bears, and other chewy candies can help alleviate tension in the ears caused by altitude changes.

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While this feeling is often temporary, it can sometimes cause moderate pain and continue throughout the flight. Even though many pilots get used to the air pressure changes while in the air, pilots have developed techniques that help them to deal with ear popping when it occurs.

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