Cochlear Implants

WacoFan

WacoFan

Bigly
First of all, this is a GREAT resource and I am apprecative of the ability to "Ask a Flight Surgeon" - thank you.

Ilost most of my hearing at age 23 (100% left ear, 80% right ear). Over time, the remaining 20% diminished to 0% and I got a cochlear implant. A year and a half later I got a cochlear implant in my other ear and now have bi-lateral cochlear implants. My goal, at 23, was to fly for a living. I am now 38, and still have a burning desire to fly. My question is, can I get a special issue first class medical with cochlear implants? I know the FAA will allow hearig aids with the disclaimer "Must use hearing amplification". Does the FAA count cochlear implants as "hearing amplification"?

Thank you in advance!
 
I do not know the answer to that but suspect they treat them the same way, I will be meeting with the FAA in 2 weeks and will pose that question. I will post an answer on the 21st or 22nd.
 
Thank you sir!

I am extremely involved with the Hearing Loss Association of America, as well as a Cochlear Implant Center here in KC (non-profit, dedicated to providing implants regardless of the ability to pay). If they need any technical data, from implant performance, systems, etc to human factors - I can provide it becasue I have resources both on the clinical level as well as a very close relationship to the manufacturer. Has anyone ever flown with a pilot that had cochlear implants?
 
WacoFan said:
Thank you sir!

I am extremely involved with the Hearing Loss Association of America, as well as a Cochlear Implant Center here in KC (non-profit, dedicated to providing implants regardless of the ability to pay). If they need any technical data, from implant performance, systems, etc to human factors - I can provide it becasue I have resources both on the clinical level as well as a very close relationship to the manufacturer. Has anyone ever flown with a pilot that had cochlear implants?
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I don't know what his situation is exactly, but I do know that at my club there is a gentleman who is deaf and flies on a regular basis with an instructor... my airport is towered so he doesn't fly out of there by himself, however, I do believe he is licensed. They use a small white board to communicate between each other.

Anyway, I really hope you can get an answer for this one, and I hope it's one you like!
 
trafficinsight said:
I don't know what his situation is exactly, but I do know that at my club there is a gentleman who is deaf and flies on a regular basis with an instructor... my airport is towered so he doesn't fly out of there by himself, however, I do believe he is licensed. They use a small white board to communicate between each other.

Anyway, I really hope you can get an answer for this one, and I hope it's one you like!
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Thank you for your good wishes!

Deaf people can be licensed - they are just restricted to uncontrolled fields and airspace. My goal is to get a completely unrestricted medical and fly IFR, Commercial, ATP, etc. I would love to be a working commercial pilot with a cochlear implant. It would be great when I talk to young people with implants - it would show that the implant really breaks down barriers.

Thanks for your post!
 
I am just bumping this thread in anticipation of the good Dr.'s return from the conference. Hopefully I will get the answer I am looking for about the cochlear implants. Thank you in advance!
 
The FAA will consider this and probably issue a Special Issuance or SODA, depending on how stable they feel the condition is - this is according to the Regional Flight Surgeon.

They will want to see the operative notes from the cochlear implantation, a current status report (full medical report) from the ENT doc and the techincal data on the implant (manufacturer, model number etc)

Go for it:)
 
My Flight Surgeon said:
The FAA will consider this and probably issue a Special Issuance or SODA, depending on how stable they feel the condition is - this is according to the Regional Flight Surgeon.

They will want to see the operative notes from the cochlear implantation, a current status report (full medical report) from the ENT doc and the techincal data on the implant (manufacturer, model number etc)

Go for it:)
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Thank you Dr.! My implant surgeon was a former Air Force guy and understands my desire and will help. He is also a pioneer in the field (did the 60th implant ever). The manufacturer will help with any data I need as well.

I really appreciate your help. One more question: What is the difference between a Special Issuance and a Statement of Demonstrated Ability?
 
A SODA is for conditions that are stable (monocular vision) while a Special Issuance is for conditions that may not be stable (heart disease).
 
My Flight Surgeon said:
The FAA will consider this and probably issue a Special Issuance or SODA, depending on how stable they feel the condition is - this is according to the Regional Flight Surgeon.

They will want to see the operative notes from the cochlear implantation, a current status report (full medical report) from the ENT doc and the techincal data on the implant (manufacturer, model number etc)

Go for it:)
Click to expand...
Hello, I lost my hearing two years ago and have had Cochlear Implants for both ears. One of my surgeons happened to be a Navy flight surgeon and he told me that I can still fly in everything except tactical jets; The Navy views CI as downing for pilots and aircrew, but not photographers.
However, he did not have an answer to my question about ear cups for helmets.
I'm not sure this is the correct forum, however I would like to know if anyone know if Clarke Davis or another manufacturer has ear cups for CI users.
My goal is to continue working towards my private pilot licence and continue my photography work.

Thank you
 
WacoFan said:
Thank you Dr.! My implant surgeon was a former Air Force guy and understands my desire and will help. He is also a pioneer in the field (did the 60th implant ever). The manufacturer will help with any data I need as well.

I really appreciate your help. One more question: What is the difference between a Special Issuance and a Statement of Demonstrated Ability?
Click to expand...

My dad got the implant a couple years ago and he was able to get a first class. It took time but he had all the data and info from the doctors, a flight instructor recommendation and had to fly with a guy from the faa. Basic testing to make sure he could hear all transmissions, engine noises etc. they initially denied it, but after calling back it turned out it somehow got shelved and not reviewed. A day later they approved it. Best of luck to you! Also he only had one implant done so your chances may be even better.
 
This is an issue to which ever more people should give heed in our modern society which is filled to the brim with loud noises essentially everywhere we find ourselves. I play the electric guitar, and when I was younger before I started to consider a career in professional flight, I used to go to any rock concert within range of me. Little did I understand then the harmful ramifications of what loud noise could do to the human ear. Once I began flight-training, I stove to protect my hearing as much as possible, and still hope that it won't be too late for me. I hope the best for you, WacoFan. Good luck.
 
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