Every pilot has experienced a cockpit or cabin environment that was so loud that it was necessary to shout to be heard. These sounds not only make the work environment more stressful but can, over time, cause permanent hearing impairment.
People Also Ask
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. So, let's explore what those techniques are.
Protecting Ears When on a PlaneExposure to noise at 85 dB for more than eight hours a day can cause permanent hearing loss or temporary hearing problems like tinnitus (2). However, at 100 dB, the safe duration of exposure is only 15 minutes a day (3).
However, certain medical conditions such as a psychosis, bipolar disorder and some types of personality disorder automatically disqualify a pilot from obtaining an FAA medical certificate. Former FAA Administrator Steve Dickson addressed pilot mental health at the University of North Dakota Mental Health Summit.
The airline transport pilot (ATP) is the most advanced pilot certificate one can obtain, and it's necessary for those who want to fly commercial airliners for a living. All commercial airlines now require a pilot applicant to have an ATP certificate.
If your ears feel full and blocked or you keep getting the sensation that they aren't able to pop properly, then flying is probably going to make this worse. It is especially important for children to avoid flying with an ear infection as they are at higher risk due to having narrower Eustachian tubes.
LiveATC Air Radio provides a quick and easy way to listen in on live conversations between pilots and air traffic controllers near many airports around the world.