Physical today- hearing impaired

Nurses Disabilities

Published

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?

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

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?

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.

Specializes in GENERAL.

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.

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