What is an acceptable hearing standard for obtaining a 3rd Class Medical Certificate?

For obtaining a 3rd Class Medical Certificate, the acceptable hearing standard is the ability to hear a whispered voice at 10 feet. This standard is established to ensure that pilots have sufficient hearing capability to effectively communicate and respond to auditory cues critical for safe flying operations. Hearing a whispered voice at a specified distance signifies that the individual has adequate auditory function to perceive important sounds, including radio communications and potential emergency alerts.

This requirement serves as a baseline to confirm that pilots can operate effectively in an auditory environment that may include background noise, which is crucial for situational awareness in aviation. While other options may involve hearing abilities relevant to communication, they do not meet the specific regulatory criteria outlined for medical certification in aviation.