Physical today- hearing impaired

[nursemomrr4]

Hi,

I posted this in the general discussion forum and then remembered there is a Nurses with Disabilities section that might be better. So I have re-posted it here.

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?

[llg, PhD, RN]

I have a hearing impairment that is milder than yours. (Totally deaf in one hear, only a slight loss in the other. I choose not to wear a hearing aid.) I chose to divulge during the interview, but not right at first. I let them see me interact normally with no problems in the interview ... then brought up the topic myself, emphasizing that the amount of accommodation I would need would be minimal -- almost nothing.

For me, that was the best way to do it. I didn't want to start a new job and be "found out" later -- and having my employers feel that I had deceived them in some way. I wanted them to trust me and not have to wonder about what else I was hiding. But then, I was in the good position of not being too worried that my hearing loss (and balance deficit) would interfere with my ability to do the job. I wasn't requesting accommodations that would be a strain on the system. So I as pretty confident that it wouldn't be an issue with them -- and it wasn't.

What did you do when you interviewed? Does your boss know of your hearing impairment? If so, then you should be fine. Did you keep it a secret in the interview process?

[nursemomrr4]

Thanks, llg, for your response. I actually never thought about it in the interview. Sounds silly, I'm sure. But I haven't worn my hearing aids in almost 3 years and have only had them for 5. I don't have trouble in most of daily life. In my now former work situation, my hearing was fine (private duty trach patient one-on-one). I have conversations just fine, unless the person is particularly soft-spoken, the environment is loud, or the person has their back to me. Then I'll miss some words. I have my hearing "equipment" to ensure nothing will be missed. I have no problems on the phone. No real accommodation will need to be made for me.

I checked hearing loss on my physical form and no comment was made about it. There was no hearing test. So there was no problem. However, I will tell my nurse manager about my aids because as you pointed out I don't want to appear to be hiding something. I just never thought about it being a problem with an employer because it never has been. Getting the physical papers made me realize it might be.

[Buyer beware, BSN]

Call the feds and find out what your rights are regarding employment under the (ADA) Americans With Disabilities Act. Hopefully you won't get some bon-bon eating drone that knows what he/she is talking about. Tons of doctors and nurses with mod-severe hearing loss working, listening to heart sounds and the rest. Know your rights so some dope doesn't "inadvertently" deep-six you.

You sound like a good person. Hearing loss whether congenital or listening to too much rock and roll shouldn't make you a pariah, especially when simple accommodations can be made.

Knowledge is king or in your case queen.