Hearing aid & Employment.

[yoronn83]

If an applicant meets all requirements by (NFPA 1582) for hearing, with a Hearing Aid, would this type of device still allow applicant for employment. Or would this be a reason not to hire the applicant even after they made it threw all the steps in the hiring process. Or if not hired would that constitute as discrimination.

Thanks for your thoughts.
Ryan T

[Tann3100]

I dont know this might be something covered under ADA?

I know in EMS it is. There is a paramedic where I work that is totally deaf and has had a implant of some type that allows him to hear through a device he wears and he was told this might keep from getting a job and after he checked into it he was covered by ADA.

[BCLepore]

Check with the department for which you are applying. Also, many departments post the medical requirements on the job description flyer.

Good luck in the process.

[SSEIKA]

BC Lepore, I am currently on the list for a large city dept. I wear hearing aids, but I am not deaf, I only have a moderate hearing loss. Could I still be denied for a job? Would the ADA protect that? Thanks

[BCLepore]

Our last fire chief wore a hearing aid that he needed after yaears of working around loud, noisy sirens and heavy equipment. I do not know what the NFPA says about hearing loss. I would check with them. Also, I owuld encourage you to check with the department's (the one for which you are applying) medical department and ask them.
Sorry I do not have more information for you.

Paul Lepore
Battalion Chief
www.aspiringfirefighters.com