AC Medical: Hearing Test

[Z_Pilot]

How hard-core is the hearing test that AC gives? I think that I read somewhere that they stick you in an audio booth.

This is a problem for me. I was born with a hearing deficiency in both ears. It does not get worse over time. I have been an airline pilot with a first class medical in the US for several years. The only way that you discover my problem is via audio booth. Before I started flying, I went to a local clinic to determine if I could pursue an airline career with my hearing problem. I have the results, a Hz & frequency graph, of my hearing status.

My Questions are:

Does anyone know what the benchmarks are to "pass" AC's hearing tests?

Is it more stringent than the TC initial first class medical screening?
(If I pass that, will I pass AC's test?)

Are there any links out there concerning this topic?

Do you ever hear of anyone not getting hired because of failing the medical...or more specifically, for the audio portion of it?

Thanks for your help!

Z

[Moose777]

I just did the medical and they do put you in the booth. As far as what they are looking for, I’m not sure. I suspect it’s the same as TC. There is one more test for the ears and that’s with a little machine that blows air in your ear. I think it’s to check your Eustachian tubes but I’m not sure.

[Z_Pilot]

If anyone out there has a hearing deficeincy like I do, then this may be of use to you. I did some research. The following is exactly what TC is looking for on your initial first class medical. The links provided are how to read an audiogram.
The only mystery (for me) is what AC is looking for on an audiogram.
I had an audiogram done several years ago before I started my career (as a pilot) in the States. My father is going to the clinic to get my old audiogram and see if I could pass a TC first class medical. Wish me luck!

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http://www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/Regse ... t42402.htm


Hearing Requirement

1.29 The applicant shall be required to be free from any hearing defect which could interfere with the safe performance of the applicants duties in exercising the privileges of the licence.

1.30 The applicant shall be tested on a pure tone audiometer at the initial examination for a Medical Category I and at the first medical examination after age 55, unless tested satisfactory during the five years preceding these dates, and shall not show a hearing loss, in either earseparately, of more than 35 dB at any of the frequencies 500, 1000, 2000 Hz or more than 50 dB at 3000 Hz

1.31 At each examination the applicant shall demonstrate, in a quiet room, the ability to hear a soft-whispered voice in each ear separately at a distance of two metres (six feet) from the Aviation Medical Examiner. Applicants experiencing some difficulty with routine whisper shall be tested by pure tone audiometry.

1.32 Provided that there is no greater loss than 50 dB at 3000 Hz, applicants who show an average loss on pure tone audiometry of no greater than 45 dB in the better ear shall be considered fit if they can demonstrate satisfactory hearing in the cockpit noise environment in which they normally operate. Average losses greater than 45 dB in the better ear shall be evaluatedby an otolaryngologist and be subject to individual assessment according to accredited medical conclusion.
NOTE: The reference zero for calibration of pure tone audiometers used is that of the International Organization of Standardization Recommendation R389, 1964 or that of the American National Standards Institute.
(2) The use of individual hearing aids during voice or practical testing is not permitted unless flexibility has previously been granted in accordance with Part IV, Subpart 4 of the CARs.

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Audiogram Information:

http://www.earinfo.com/howread1.html
http://www.earinfo.com/Howread/howread7.html

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I hope this helps someone out there.

I am quite worried that it will squash my AC dreams...but I will keep the faith!

Z

[dash7driver]

Friend of mine was borderline on the audio test for his Jazz medical, so they sent him for additional testing at some sort of hearing testing place and he passed ok. He has had his AC interview recently and is worried about the hearing portion of that medical should he qualify. From what I gather the medicals are the same for pre-employment, including the audio fun-box.

[Z_Pilot]

I am borderline, but I would pass under clause 1.32...45dB's in the better ear.

Do you know if your friend was borderline with the "straight-pass" of 35 dB's or was he a little worse, like me?

Thanks for the reply!

Z