MED.B.080 Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)

Regulation (EU) 2019/27

(a)     Examination

(1)     Applicants’ hearing shall be tested at all examinations.

(i)      For a class 1 medical certificate, and for a class 2 medical certificate when an instrument rating or en route instrument rating is to be added to the licence, hearing shall be tested with pure-tone audiometry at the initial examination, then every 5 years until the licence holder reaches the age of 40 and then every 2 years thereafter.

(ii)     When tested on a pure-tone audiometer, initial applicants shall not have a hearing loss of more than 35 dB at any of the frequencies 500, 1 000 or 2 000 Hz, or more than 50 dB at 3 000 Hz, in either ear separately. Applicants for revalidation or renewal with greater hearing loss shall demonstrate satisfactory functional hearing ability.

(2)     A comprehensive ear, nose and throat examination shall be undertaken for the initial issue of a class 1 medical certificate and periodically thereafter when clinically indicated.

(b)     Applicants with any of the following medical conditions shall undergo further examination to establish that the medical condition does not interfere with the safe exercise of the privileges of the applicable licence(s):

(1)     hypoacusis;

(2)     an active pathological process of the internal or middle ear;

(3)     unhealed perforation or dysfunction of the tympanic membrane(s);

(4)     dysfunction of the Eustachian tube(s);

(5)     disturbance of vestibular function;

(6)     significant restriction of the nasal passages;

(7)     sinus dysfunction;

(8)     significant malformation or significant infection of the oral cavity or upper respiratory tract;

(9)     significant disorder of speech or voice;

(10)    any sequelae of surgery of the internal or middle ear.

(c)      Aero-medical assessment

(1)     Applicants for a class 1 medical certificate with any of the medical conditions specified in points (1), (4) and (5) of point (b) shall be referred to the medical assessor of the licensing authority.

(2)     The fitness of applicants for a class 2 medical certificate with any of the medical conditions specified in point (4) and (5) of point (b) shall be assessed in consultation with the medical assessor of the licensing authority.

(3)     The fitness of applicants for a class 2 medical certificate for an instrument rating or en route instrument rating to be added to the licence with the medical condition specified in point (1) of point (b) shall be assessed in consultation with the medical assessor of the licensing authority.