Hello all, It is very  exciting that there is a pilot forum were I can read about the thing I've dreamed about since I was a kid, piloting.  I've got a question.  I am very interested in quiting my job and going to a university with a pilot program to become a commercial pilot.  The only thing that worries me is my hearing... I was born unable to hear out of my left ear, hearing aids won't help, BUT I can hear excellent out of my right ear.  Does anybody know if this will disqualify me from reaching my dreams?  I would appreciate any feedback to this question, and to those of you that already fly- dont take it for granted! :rolleyes:

Could be this is a tough question.  But a good one!  

I will call a friend of mine at the FAA and some of the advertisers here on Pilot Journey are colleges - I will check with them.

Nice to have you in the forums, and all those other 64 people also :-)

There is a F/O at my domicile that is basically deaf out of one ear and wears a hearing aid. If it can be done for airline flying, you can do it for a PPL. You will need to get a FAA waiver though.

This link has a host of good stuff for you- http://www.deafpilots.com/index.html

From their FAQs:
"What is the process of getting a medical certificate, if you are deaf?

Every person wanting to become a pilot must submit to a physical examination and apply for a medical certificate. This examination is done locally, by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). The AME, upon finding that you are deaf, will defer your application for a medical certificate to the FAA Aeromedical Certification Branch in Oklahoma City for further review.

After 6-8 weeks, you will receive a letter asking you to arrange for a special medical flight test with a local FAA flight examiner. During this medical flight test, you will be asked to demonstrate recognition of imminent stalls and engine failure. If you pass this test, you will receive a "SODA": Statement of Demonstrated Ability. Once you have this SODA, you can then take the regular private pilot flight test. (Sometimes, the medical flight test and the regular flight test are conducted at the same time.)"

Also, "the FAA has published a joint brochure, called 'To Fly: An Initial Guide for Deaf Pilots and Their Instructors,' which is not available online. However, the FAA has several resources at http://www.faa.gov/pilots/become/deaf_pilot/

You might also try a search of the forums at www.studentpilot.com