Considerations
Clarity of speech is important for communications, particularly within a noisy environment. The Medical Examiner must consider two things:
- Is the impaired speech the result of a medical condition that is of aeromedical significance?
- Is the speech impairment functionally of aeromedical significance?
There are multiple causes for speech impairment. Deafness should be obvious to the Medical Examiner and this may act as the limiting factor in the final decision. The same apply to neurological, neuro-muscular and anatomical disorders, or post-surgery status. Examples of the latter are laryngectomy or partial tongue amputation for malignancy, and vocal cords palsy following thyroidectomy. Other causes include congenital malformation, trauma etc.
Information to be provided
- Copy of all information detailing the cause of the speech impairment.
- An ENT specialist report if insufficient records are obtained.
Disposition
An applicant with speech impairment should be considered as having a condition that is of aeromedical significance unless:
- The Medical examiner is satisfied that the speech impairment is minor and will not interfere with effective aviation communication;
- The speech impairment is not due to deafness;
- The speech impairment is not due to a malignancy;
- The speech impairment condition is not due to any neurological or neuromuscular condition;
- The speech impairment is not due to any progressive condition;
- The Medical examiner has no aeromedical concern about the speech impairment.
