FAA Medical Question - Ear Surgery?

Question

I was born with congenital atresia of the right ear. I had some cosmetic surgeries at age 2 and 5 to correct external abnormalities. And at age 25 had a major surgery to correct the congenital atresia itself. I now have fair hearing in that ear. I have never had any symptoms of vertigo, dizziness, or any problems equalizing air pressure. Are their any forseen problems with obtaining the Class 3 medical based on these findings? I will bring all surgical documentation to the AME at the time of the examination.

Answer 1

No, you should definitely Tell your AME, but if you can hear well out of the ear and there are no Equalibrium problems one of two things will happen

You will get your Medical right then and there Or,

The doctor will Defer the Medical to the FAA and it will go through a Beurocratic system of Comity meetings where when proof (doctors report on Symptoms, Complications, Treatment, and past problems with the disease/disorder in question) comes in that you Can operate an Aircraft safely They will send you your medical under the Circumstance that the issue does not deteriorate, if it gets worse..........You lose your medical and they Re-evaluate.

Answer 2

What you have described does not sound like a disqualifying event.  You should be fine.  The main problem is not equilibrium in this case, its simple hearing acuity.  If you can hear a whispered voice, you can be issued a First Class Medical on the spot.  If you cannot, you may be required to wear hearing enhancement devices, like hearing aids (or a headset that turns the volume up...which most of us do anyway).

You will not have any problems.  Good luck!!!