Ear Exam (General)

Your AME will check the Following Areas during the Ear Exam:

• External Ear and Tympanic Membrane

  The external ear is seldom a major problem in the medical certification of applicants. Otitis externa or a furuncle may call for temporary disqualification. Obstruction of the canal by impacted cerumen or cellular debris may indicate a need for referral to an ENT specialist for examination.

  The tympanic membranes should be examined for scars or perforations. Discharge or granulation tissue may be the only observable indication of perforation. Middle ear disease may be revealed by retraction, fluid levels, or discoloration. The normal tympanic membrane is movable and pearly gray in color. Mobility should be demonstrated by watching the drum through the otoscope during a valsalva maneuver.

• Middle Ear Pathology

  Pathology of the middle ear may be demonstrated by changes in the appearance and mobility of the tympanic membrane. The applicant may only complain of stuffiness of the ears and/or loss of hearing. An upper respiratory infection greatly increases the risk of aerotitis media with pain, deafness, tinnitus, and vertigo due to lessened aeration of the middle ear from eustachian tube dysfunction.

  When the applicant is taking medication for an ENT condition, it is important that the AME become fully aware of the underlying pathology, present status, and the length of time the medication has been used. If the condition is not a threat to aviation safety, the treatment consists solely of antibiotics, and the antibiotics have been taken over a sufficient period to rule out the likelihood of adverse side effects, the AME may make the certification decision.

• Unilateral Deafness

  An applicant with unilateral congenital or acquired deafness should not be denied medical certification if able to pass any of the tests of hearing acuity.

• Bilateral Deafness

  It is possible for a totally deaf person to qualify for a private pilot certificate. When the applicant initially applies for medical certification, the AME should defer the exam with notes in Block 60 explaining this and include which FSDO the airman wants to use to take a Medical Flight Test.

• 6. Hearing Aids

  Under some circumstances, the use of hearing aids may be acceptable. If the applicant is unable to pass any of the above tests without the use of hearing aids, he or she may be tested using hearing aids.