Deaf in one ear -
 

If I am profoundly deaf in one ear, namely, my left ear, do I still have a shot at becoming an airline pilot? This question has been on my mind since the day I've gotten myself involved within the aviation community. By the way, I'm new to Airline Pilot Central Forums. Thank for your future assistance. :D

Except for the military I have never had my hearing tested for a first class medical.

You're supposed to get it tested according to 67.105(a). A cursory reading suggests that one ear is sufficient so long as the test is conducted in accordance with 67.105(a)(2). Hopefully an AME can provide more details.

In my practical experience I've always been tested with the method in 67.105(a)(1) aka. "Can you hear me now?... Good".

I am 100% deaf in my left ear. I have been an airline pilot for the past 7 years. Regional and major. As long as you can "carry on a conversation in a normal tone", you're good to go. You can't be a truck driver, but you can be an airline Captain.

Wow! That is a good sign. I honestly thought the airline's hearing standards would disqualify me on the spot.

My hearing is no issue at all. I can hear perfectly well, even in a loud environment. I can't justify it as an issue. I take it if you can hear ATC, and your buddy beside you, you should be A OK.

Testing is required. My old AME used the machine, which was kind of nice because it showed trends so you could identify any hearing loss.

They can also test you verbally apparently, my new AME seems to do that...if I can carry on a conversation, I'm good.

I suspect that good hearing one ear would be enough, but ask an AME. Worst case you could probably get a Special Issuance medical, but it would be better just to have a "clean" medical. You'll need a first class for airlines.

To the OP:

My father is completely deaf in one ear, and can pass a 1st class. The only test he can't pass for the hearing portion is the headphones with the beeps and tones.

So it's very possible to hold a 1st class with being deaf in one ear. Good luck to you.

Sounds like you are more qualified to be in the left seat than the right? :D

Sorry for being an ass. Welcome to APC.

Lol! I understand exactly what you mean. I get that joke all the time!
Well, if all the hearing test entails is being able to have a conversation with my back turned to the examiner at a distance of 6 feet, I should be fit to earn the 1st class medical without a hitch.

I couldn't pass the hearing test at NW [Mayo Clinic]. Delta could have cared less. I guess it depends on the outfit.

Are you currently flying for Delta? What do you fly? So far, I've gotten my hopes up. Hearing is solid despite being deaf in my left ear.

I wouldn't worry about it, if they find it, they find it. All depends on the co. medical. China is probably out though. I used to count '4' and punch the button, hold it for '4'. Couldn't beat the Mayo, they were mostly worried about workman's comp claims. I retired a looooong time ago off the 75/76. Like I said put your hat in the ring, you just never know. The bright side is you've already lost some hearing, [one less thing to worry about]. Good luck!

I don't know how it works in your area but in Europe if you are deaf from one year they don't give even the Class II medical licence hence you will never be abel to get a private pilot licence.

Be sure to recover this problem otherwise you have to accept it.

All the best buddy!

Don't sweat it. I wear hearing aids. Under the old standards (whispered voice), I had to get a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA). I no longer need it, but still keep it in case it ever comes up again.

With my aids in, my hearing is often better than the guys I'm flying with.

As for an AME, talk to one "off the record" first (that is, don't fill out the application), and make sure he or she will work with you (most will). If not, shop around until you find one that will.

My son is completely deaf in his right ear.
 

My son recently did his medical in order to start flight school and we are worried that he will not get the licence to start flight training. He is 17 years old and is completely deaf in his right ear. This was caused from him having meningitis when he was seven months old. He hears perfectly well from his left ear though. His only problem is that its hard for him to detect where sounds are coming from.
I am completely worried because he can't see himself doing anything else from being a pilot. So we are here waiting for good news from Jamaica Civil Aviation.

The FAA standards for hearing are easier the vision. As stated above most AMEs use the conversation test. If you can't pass it they will just add "Hearing amplification required." If you can't carry on a conversation you probably already have hearing aids.

I saw this one kid in class upgrading to captain, he was probably low 30's, I noticed he was wearing a hearing aid. Didn't ask him about it but now that you bring it up, I guess it could be done.