Can you be a pilot with ear problems?

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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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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Medical Problems
Unfortunately, some medical or health issues may cause you to fail the extensive medical examinations required to become a pilot. This includes certain heart diseases, conditions such as epilepsy, poor hearing, bad vision, and even common allergies, as certain allergy medications can make you drowsy.

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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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Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy - Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy will stimulate frequent swallowing which helps equalize air pressure. Valsalva maneuver - With a mouthful of air, close your mouth and pinch your nostrils shut. Gently force air out until ears your ears pop. This opens the Eustacian tubes.

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Unfortunately, some medical or health issues may cause you to fail the extensive medical examinations required to become a pilot. This includes certain heart diseases, conditions such as epilepsy, poor hearing, bad vision, and even common allergies, as certain allergy medications can make you drowsy.

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Myth: I will lose my FAA medical if I seek help for any mental health situation. Truth: The FAA will be concerned if you are clinically diagnosed with a psychiatric condition (depressive disorders, psychosis, personality disorders, anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder) or a substance abuse disorder.

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The FAA encourages pilots to seek help if they have a mental health condition since most, if treated, do not disqualify a pilot from flying.

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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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Many people feel pressure or a blockage in their ears when they fly, especially during takeoff and landing. While this is usually nothing more than a minor inconvenience that resolves fairly quickly, it becomes a much riskier endeavor if you or your child is flying with an ear infection.

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Airplane ear usually isn't serious and responds to self-care. Long-term complications can rarely occur when the condition is serious or prolonged or if there's damage to middle or inner ear structures. Rare complications may include: Permanent hearing loss.

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Since travelling by plane can be very uncomfortable when you have an ear infection, it is best to avoid flying whenever you are feeling ill. It is especially important if the ear infection is making it harder to clear your ears as this means you are more likely to experience problems.

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So, can you fly with a perforated eardrum? You can indeed! While flying with a ruptured eardrum can cause some discomfort, there is no medical evidence to say that you would be likely to come to any serious harm. That being said, it is always best to consult a doctor and get the final go-ahead before flying.

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