PRESBYACUSIS

Hearing ability tends to decline with age, and in older individuals the audible frequency range may reduce to around 50 to 8000 Hz or even less. Higher frequencies are typically the first to be affected due to age. While some degree of hearing loss is a normal part of aging, when it is combined with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), it can become significant enough to affect fitness to hold a flying licence. It is important to note that aircraft engineers are advised to use hearing protection whenever they are exposed to noise levels above 115 dB, which can be roughly identified when normal conversation cannot be clearly heard from a distance of about two metres. Sudden or intermittent noise is generally more disturbing than continuous noise, and higher-frequency sounds tend to have a greater negative impact on performance than lower-frequency ones.

• A natural loss of hearing as a result of age → Presbycusis
• A temporary loss of hearing due to loud noise → Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)
• A ringing sensation in the ears → Tinnitus
• A blockage of the outer ear canal → May lead to barotrauma