The Americans with Disabilities Act can help protect those with hearing loss from facing any possible discrimination. There are many ways that the ADA may be able to help you.

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act offers employment help

One of the most important things about the American with Disabilities Act is that it helps those with disabilities, including those with hearing loss, find work because they can no longer be discriminated against or not hired based solely on their disability. The goal of the ADA is to promote equal opportunity in the workplace for all Americans.

  • Employers cannot ask about your hearing impairment before making a job offer

Employers can only ask about your hearing loss if it pertains directly to your ability to perform the job and you will need additional accommodations to perform the job effectively and successfully. The Americans with Disabilities Act does state that you must report your hearing deficiency if you will need assistance performing the task, such as help with communication or meeting safety standards.

  • The Americans with Disabilities Act allows you take additional time off of work

People with disabilities, including hearing loss, may need to take extra time off of work to ensure that their medical needs are being met. The ADA understands that and makes sure that you will not be penalized for this. You can have additional time off of work to have your hearing aids adjusted. You do not have to be forthcoming about any additional information that is relevant to your hearing aids or your hearing loss. However, you will be required to show a doctor’s note to your employer proving your visit to the doctor, if your employer requests one.

  • Employers must not rescind their offer of employment once learning about the hearing impairment

Once you have been offered a job, the employer cannot take the offer back once they learn of your hearing loss, as long as you are still able to perform the requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. An employer does have the right to send you for a follow-up medical examination to determine the extent of your hearing loss and how it will affect your ability to perform the job you have applied for. The employer also has the right to ask some additional follow-up questions that may be relevant to employment.

  • Under the ADA, employers are to ensure that employees are offered reasonable accommodations and are not harassed

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that all employers offer reasonable accommodations to their employees with hearing disabilities. This can include a sign language interpreter, assertive technology such as a video relay set or a telephone headset, and assertive listening devices. Not all employees with a hearing deficiency will require these reasonable accommodations, but they should have the option. Additionally, employers must protect their hearing impaired employees from being harassed by other coworkers specifically about their disability.

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