Flying while deaf

Cub Driver wrote:

Since I had to get a SODA to fly with monocular vision (left eye blind
for all practical purposes), I have to believe that a deaf pilot also
has a SODA, and that it restricts what airspace he can enter.

My club has two of our aircraft at an untowered airport, which is a little
unusual around here. As a result, we entertained a deaf pilot considering
membership a number of months ago.

Actually, it was more the other way around. He spoke to us (through a sign
interpreter) about his unique experiences.

My understanding is that an instrument rating and such is an impossibility
for him, and that he is restricted - as you suggested - to airspace which
doesn't require communication.

I don't whether anyone thought to ask whether he could fly into class D
airspace given the proper light-gun signals. But given the frequency of
clubs at class D airports around here, I'd have to guess "not".

BTW, I recently spoke to another pilot that used a hearing aid. I was
surprised to hear that he cannot pass a class two physical. Apparently,
while it is permissible to require corrected vision, corrected hearing is
not permissible.

Anyone know why? Is it the electronic/powered nature of the correction?
Something else?

- Andrew