Hearing Impaired physical

[nursemomrr4]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum and have read a couple of articles on the topic, but wanted advice about my situation if possible. I have been offered my first hospital job and it's on a PCU floor. I am going for my physical today. I have mild to moderate hearing loss in both ears and have had it since I was a child. I now wear biaural BTE aids. I can hear all but high frequencies without them just fine. But I got them when I started nursing school a few years ago. I use a Littmann Classic II stethoscope and also own a Master Cardiology. In anticipation of assessing patients on this floor I've bought the Littmann 3100 just to be safe. I am well-prepared to care for my patients.

Today's physical includes a hearing assessment. I don't know what their parameters are, but my upper range loss will definitely show up. My aids definitely compensate for the loss adequately. The questionnaire I have to fill out includes among the health checklist hearing loss. I am an upfront person, but am concerned about divulging that I wear aides for fear that I will fail the physical and not get what is for me, my dream job. I want to divulge it and show that I am equipped and capable.

I called my state Vocational Rehabilitation office and was told if I am qualified for the job, I can't not be hired because of a physical disability. He also said something about "if you want to divulge". I prefer honesty!

What is the best way to handle this situation?