Electromagnetic Compatibility of Cochlear Implant with an Aircraft Cockpit

Background: For the cochlear implant (CI) to be an option for aircraft pilot rehabilitation, the objective of this study was to rule out the possibility of interference between the implant and the aircraft equipment. Method: All security instruments of the EMB120 aircraft on the ground with the engine running were tested with a bilateral CI user sitting in the copilot's seat. Results: The presence of the CI user had no effect on any of the navigation equipment during the test flight. The volunteer reported no discomfort, diminished hearing, headache or neurological symptoms during or after the test flight. Conclusion: There is an electromagnetic compatibility between the EMB120 aircraft instruments and the bilateral CI user in the cockpit.