Hearing Test

[trestamu]

I have 100% hearing in one ear and 80% in the other making it difficult for me to identify sounds in the higher frequency ranges. I can hear sounds in the the human voice range and lower. However, I'm concerned that my hearing might be an issue? Does anyone have any insight into required hearing standards, etc?

Thanks

 

[stevew]

I don't know the exact requirements for hearing but I do think that they are not as stirct on your hearing acuity as they are on your vision so even though you are only 80% in one ear there is a strong chance you may be good to go.

 

[ben]

I think you're OK. I have some hearing issues and they took me anyway. If you go below 80% then you might run into trouble, but if not then I think you're fine. Check out the NOMI site for she specifics.

http://www.nomi.med.navy.mil/Nami/WaiverGuideTopics/exams.htm#sna

 

[Gatordev]

Just something to keep in mind...once you are designated SNA or SNFO (which to them means after your NAMI whammy), you then are able to fit w/in the fleet standards. However, there are two standards they test for. One is w/in standards to be in the Navy, the other is to be a pilot. You will lose some of your hearing over your career. No matter how careful you try to be, it's going to happen. I always wear double hearing protection, and I notice some loss. So if you're on the fence when you start, you just have to be extra careful along the way.

When I "failed" a hearing test before (I was well w/in standards, but showed a loss, which just means they want to retest you), I spent the night before the second test w/ earplugs in and drove to work w/ them in. Worked like a charm and "passed" w/out a problem.

 

[ben]

My problem is that my ears ring. The ringing sound actually covers up some of the higher frequency tones that they test for, but I'm still within standards. I don't think the earplug trick would work too well for me since I hear the ringing most when all else is quiet. Thanks for the tip though.

 

[goplay234]

Is it just being on an aircraft carrier that causes the loss?

 

[Gatordev]

I have only been on a carrier as a visitor...never been on one during a cruise or ops, so no. But ships and aircraft are loud, no matter what they are. And when you've been in the aircraft for 8 or 9 hours, your foamies aren't exactly the freshest and don't provide the protection they did earlier. I swear there is always a fan, pump, or piece of machinery on the boat that you will have to work or sleep next to.

When took my DODMERB at 18, I had outstanding hearing, and I always remember having good hearing. I can tell now that it's not as sharp as it used to be, but I'm still WELL w/in the limits and standards of the hearing loss program and the NAMI standards. It's not something to worry about, just something to be aware of.

Bcgeib...yeah, I don't know, but it sounds like your right on the ringing/foamies trick. Sorry I couldn't help.

 

[webmaster]

Just to echo what gatordev said. Your hearing is important, and you should take all care necessary to preserve it. Same thing with me, I came in at 18, and have had that hearing tested non stop till now at 31. Engine rooms, shipboard and flight lines are not all that conducive to keeping your hearing intact. While I don't think P3s generate as much db as the helos, regardless of the environment, you need to wear the hearing protection.

 

[trestamu]

Since engines put out a steady, harmonic sound during regular operation, I would think those headsets that produce a harmonic's anti-node and cancel out the sound would be a good investment.

 

[Squid]

that's a good thought. any idea about incorporating them into helmets? I think non-helmeted types (E-6, P-3 guys???) could make something like this work; my working knowledge of real naval aviation is grossly overrated... so is coming directly from my arse.

 

[Gatordev]

Noise canceling headsets are an outstanding idea! In fact, they are on the top ten list of things to look at this year for NAVAIR. However, currently they are illegal in helmets. I think John had told me recently that a guy tried to make them work w/ the P-3, but the impedance didn't work. The other issue is EMI. I knew a guy in my squadron that put in contraband noise canceling earmuffs while on cruise, and they only lasted about a month or two before they fried themselves with all the trons zipping around flying around a boat.

As for the type of noise, the engines aren't nearly the issue as is the transmission and the wind noise. Anything over 100 knots, and you are in the no-hear zone as the air hits the brick-like shape of the helo. In the back, the transmission is pretty loud... I don't know how the crewman stay awake, as whenever I'm back there, it's like instant coma.

 

[webmaster]

Correct, one of the guys in my squadron put out the dough for the bose noise cancelling headset, didn't work in either of our ICS systems on the planes.