AMC1 ATCO.MED.B.080 Otorhinolaryngology

• ED Decision 2015/010/R found in: Air Traffic Controllers Licensing and Certification (2015/340) Part-ATCO (Jun 2024)

AMC1 ATCO.MED.B.080  Otorhinolaryngology ED Decision 2015/010/R (a)       Examination (1)       An otorhinolaryngological examination includes: (i)        history; (ii)       clinical examination including otoscopy, rhinoscopy and examination of the mouth and throat; (iii)      clinical examination of the vestibular system. (2)       Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists involved in the aero-medical assessment of air traffic controllers should have an understanding of the functionality required by air traffic controllers whilst exercising the privileges of their licence(s). (3)       Where a full aero-medical assessment and functional check are needed, due regard should be paid to the operational environment in which the operational functions are undertaken. (b)       Hearing (1)       The follow-up of an applicant with hypoacusis should be decided by the licensing authority. If at the next annual test there is no indication of further deterioration, the normal frequency of testing may be resumed. (2)       An appropriate prosthetic aid may be a special headset with individual earpiece volume controls. Full functional and environmental assessments should be carried out with the chosen prosthetic equipment in use. (c)       Ear conditions An applicant with a single dry perforation of non-infectious origin and which does not interfere with the normal function of the ear may be considered for a fit assessment. (d)       Vestibular disturbance The presence of vestibular disturbance and spontaneous or positional nystagmus requires complete vestibular evaluation by a specialist. Significant abnormal caloric or rotational vestibular responses are disqualifying. At revalidation and renewal aero-medical examinations, abnormal vestibular responses should be assessed in their clinical context. (e)       Speech disorder Applicants with a speech disorder should be assessed with due regard to the operational environment in which the operational functions are undertaken. Applicants with significant disorder of speech or voice should be assessed as unfit.