Explain the effects of age induced hearing loss (presbycusis).

Presbycusis is the most common type of hearing loss, caused by the natural aging of the auditory system. 

It occurs gradually and initially affects the ability to hear higher pitched (higher frequency) sounds.

Describe methods of protecting hearing.

A good quality headset will prevent noise induced hearing loss

Noise cancelling headsets are best for protecting your hearing 
Ear muffs / defenders
Ear plugs

Describe the effect of prolonged noise exposure on hearing.

Prolonged noise exposure can lead to permanent hearing loss

This noise can be as low as 70 – 80 dB

Describe the anatomy and physiology of the ear.

The external ear consists of the earlobe and external canal

The middle ear is made up of the hearing organs and tympanic membrane (eardrum)

The balance organs are in the inner ear and consist of the Semicircular canals and the otolith organ

Explain the effect of the following factors on visual perception during an approach: 

Steep and shallow approach paths

A student pilot will have got to know how their local runway looks on a normal practice approach
They also understand how the perspective changes if they are too steep or lower than normal

If landing on a longer runway than normal the runway will appear narrower than usual
The illusion is that the aircraft is too high

Length, Width and Texture of a runway

A runway wider than usual will appear closer than it is resulting in the illusion of being too low and resulting in a flare and hold-off that is too high

A runway that is narrower than usual appears further away than it really is, this gives the illusion of being too high

The flare may be delayed resulting in earlier than expected contact with the runway

When adopting a new approach this can result in him being dangerously low
When flying into a shorter runway than normal the runway will appear wider than usual – giving the illusion that the aircraft is too low.

On adapting to this perception the approach then becomes too high 

Intensity of approach lights

Visual landing aids assist the pilot to approach the runway at the correct angle which on average is a 3 degree glide slope approach

Try to get  as much practice at different airfields without using landing aids

Explain the effect of sloping terrain on visual perception.

This can cause dangerous illusions in perspective resulting in too high or too low an attitude 

Describe the optical characteristics of the windshield.

Vision can be impaired if the windshield is dirty or scratched

When washing or wiping a windshield, this must be done vertically rather than horizontally as any scratches are less likely to be seen as a false horizon.

Mark on the windscreen can act as a focal trap, thus you may not see anything outside.

Explain the effect of fog, haze, and/or dust on visual perception.

A major reduction in sharpness / acuity

As fog haze and dust decrease the level of sunlight increases – improving visual perception  

Explain relative motion.

When an adjacent vehicle is moving the occupants in the stationary one think it is they who are moving

Explain the effect of a false horizon on visual perception.

A false horizon can mislead and result in the pilot selecting false attitudes and receiving conflicting information