Cochlear Implants in Aviators

INTRODUCTION: Cochlear implants (CIs) have revolutionized the management of deafness. Combined with newborn screening, children are being identified earlier and rehabilitated with CIs, allowing them to be mainstreamed in the education system. The aviation community has begun to see a new generation of pilots who are now seeking careers in aviation with the use of CI.

METHODS: A literature review using the Ovid Medline database was conducted. A search for airmen within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airman Medical Certification System with a diagnostic code for CIs was reviewed up to the year 2021.

RESULTS: There are no studies to date documenting airmen with CIs. The FAA has certified 42 airmen with Cis, including 10 with First Class Medical Certificates. Airmen with CIs have been able to successfully pursue careers in aviation from general aviation to commercial airline pilot in the United States.

DISCUSSION: CIs are used for both bilateral and single-sided deafness and are becoming more prevalent within the general population. Applicants with CIs are now seeking careers in aviation in increasing numbers. The FAA has successfully certified airmen from Class III to Class I airline pilots. It requires appropriate evaluation and screening, including a medical flight test to document adequate communication, recognition of alarms within the cockpit, and the ability to communicate with air traffic control.

Schall DG. Cochlear implants in aviators. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(3):260–263.