Comments on: Can I be an air traffic controller with a severe hearing loss in one ear?

By: Ian L

Ian L — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:01:20 +0000

Highly unlikely I’m afraid - and the “whisper test” mentioned above is plain ridiculous.

ATC headsets are wired so that aircraft frequencies come into one ear and landline telephone calls come into the other, therefore you need good hearing in both ears independently.

Go get a hearing test and ask the CAA if the results are acceptable. Ian L

By: dumbasspilot

dumbasspilot — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 02:57:21 +0000

Actually, you would/could qualify for the required second class medical and there fore eligible (from a medical standpoint) to be a controller. All you have to do is pass a “whisper test”. Using BOTH ears (not one at a time!), you must be able to hear with you back turned to the examiner.
Dont let the naysayers ^ (that dont know squat about the real aviation
world) dissuade you! dumbasspilot

By: Monstermunch

Monstermunch — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:41:05 +0000

I am sure it will rule you out as they will be looking for the best they can get. They have plenty of applicants to pick from so if you and three others do really well at interview and the aptitude tests, they will naturally pick the ones with perfect hearing.
Also it is a very busy complex environment and you may find just one ear would leave you at a disadvantage.

But you will not know for sure unless you make an approach and ask on an informal basis it is an issue. Do they offer informal pre training visits? Monstermunch

By: Leo

Leo — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:59:06 +0000

I found this on the link i have posted

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK and pass security clearance before starting work. Candidates must also possess a high standard of:

* fitness;
* eyesight (contact lenses or glasses are allowed within certain specified limits);
* colour vision;
* hearing;
* clear diction. Leo