Hearing Loss

[NightWatch]

Does anyone know if the FAA’s standards for hearing are VERY strict or just kind of average? Or know anyone that’s danced on the cusp of having almost bad hearing in their medical cert? I’m worried because I currently work in a limestone mine (just separated USAF) working to bridge the gap and the noise levels can be up there. I experience a little ringing in my ears that I notice, but I don’t seem to have any trouble hearing and I’m just kind of worried as time goes on waiting. I wear hearing protection religiously which is odd as to why I have hearing but I digress. Thanks!

 

[Phanatical]

Does anyone know if the FAA’s standards for hearing are VERY strict or just kind of average? Or know anyone that’s danced on the cusp of having almost bad hearing in their medical cert? I’m worried because I currently work in a limestone mine (just separated USAF) working to bridge the gap and the noise levels can be up there. I experience a little ringing in my ears that I notice, but I don’t seem to have any trouble hearing and I’m just kind of worried as time goes on waiting. I wear hearing protection religiously which is odd as to why I have hearing but I digress. Thanks!

Applicants must have no hearing loss in either ear of more than 25 db at 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz, and no more than a 20 db loss in the better ear by audiometry, using ANSI (1969) standards.

 

[alphaalpha69]

Does anyone know if the FAA’s standards for hearing are VERY strict or just kind of average? Or know anyone that’s danced on the cusp of having almost bad hearing in their medical cert? I’m worried because I currently work in a limestone mine (just separated USAF) working to bridge the gap and the noise levels can be up there. I experience a little ringing in my ears that I notice, but I don’t seem to have any trouble hearing and I’m just kind of worried as time goes on waiting. I wear hearing protection religiously which is odd as to why I have hearing but I digress. Thanks!

Quit the mining and give your ears a break while you wait for the process.

 

[Motodog]

I called that toll free # for tinnitus, but it just kept ringing and ringing

 

[Oh_Horizon]

Does anyone know if the FAA’s standards for hearing are VERY strict or just kind of average? Or know anyone that’s danced on the cusp of having almost bad hearing in their medical cert? I’m worried because I currently work in a limestone mine (just separated USAF) working to bridge the gap and the noise levels can be up there. I experience a little ringing in my ears that I notice, but I don’t seem to have any trouble hearing and I’m just kind of worried as time goes on waiting. I wear hearing protection religiously which is odd as to why I have hearing but I digress. Thanks!

I have had a noticable case of tinnitus for as long as I can remember. It's never interfered with my life, so I never went to a doctor, but it's most certainly there. I too was worried how strict the hearing test was during the preemployment process. You dont even go into a booth, it's in the exam room. I passed easily with 0 issues. Your AME experience may be different.

 

[GulfBravoPapa]

I have had a noticable case of tinnitus for as long as I can remember. It's never interfered with my life, so I never went to a doctor, but it's most certainly there. I too was worried how strict the hearing test was during the preemployment process. You dont even go into a booth, it's in the exam room. I passed easily with 0 issues. Your AME experience may be different.

Definitely depends on the AME. Some have a hearing booth

 

[Plusorminus]

My ame had a booth. I also am a vet with tinnitus and it hasn't affected my ability to do the job. Hope that it doesn't start ringing when its time for your test lol

 

[boomerski]

Most of the headphones AME's make you use suck. I find that I hear better if I hold my breath during the test so you don't hear your breathing.

 

[jdatc]

Most of the headphones AME's make you use suck. I find that I hear better if I hold my breath during the test so you don't hear your breathing.

This.

I have very good hearing, however at one AME she came back in the room, and was like, you didn’t hear X?

I replied, I hear the receptionist, I hear the kid crying, I hear all the other people. So either find me a quiet soundproof booth, or fuck off.

I passed then and there. They want the government cheese.

 

[CF]

If it isn’t documented/diagnosed and doesn’t impact your ability to do the hearing test I wouldn’t mention it.

 

[wand_waver]

Does anyone know if the FAA’s standards for hearing are VERY strict or just kind of average? Or know anyone that’s danced on the cusp of having almost bad hearing in their medical cert? I’m worried because I currently work in a limestone mine (just separated USAF) working to bridge the gap and the noise levels can be up there. I experience a little ringing in my ears that I notice, but I don’t seem to have any trouble hearing and I’m just kind of worried as time goes on waiting. I wear hearing protection religiously which is odd as to why I have hearing but I digress. Thanks!

If you’re an FAA new hire you can get a waiver for hearing loss to a certain degree. I believe it entails wearing a special headset.
Most likely you’ll have to visit a specialist that says you can do the job with hearing aid correction and then a review by the AME

 

[Motodog]

Controllers and pilots can be issued a medical with hearing aids (if you go that route), just has to be listed on medical and aids worn while working