Wholetime Hearing Standards ?

[firefighterblue112]

I'm halfway through the selection stages to becoming a wholetime firefighter, but I am concerned about my hearing ability. I have not had any problems in the past with my hearing, but I recently had my ears tested by my current employer as part of their occupational heath plan, I was found to have poor hearing in my left ear, although I can't really tell there's a problem, this may cause me problems at the medical stage later on, which is sucks, as to get where I am has been tough enough, I don't want to get all the way to the medical only to be told, sorry.

Does anyone know what the required hearing standards are for the wholetime medical ? I assume they will use a standard audometry test, but what is the acceptible level of hearing loss ?

Be glad of any help you can give me, thanks.

[Rich]

Hi,

I recently enquired to my brigades Occupational Health Unit as I have a relative with a similar condition to yourself.  I was told that each candidate was assessed on his/her own merits and that there wasn't a set standard.  I would go and not say anything and await the results, it may have been a fluke with your last employer and you'll be fine.  Good luck!

[Kaiser]

I was in a similar situation when I joined, I was an ex soldier who used to be in my battalion shooting team. Even though I always wore ear protection, my right ear has suffered quite a lot.  When I joined the fire service, I was a borderline pass, although I don't know what the unit of measurement that was used.
Last year I changed brigades, but during my transfer medical, I failed the hearing test. I was given a vocational hearing test which meant that I did certain tasks which were normal firefighting operations in order to check that I was safe operationally and passed the test with flying colours.
I was informed that prior to the Disability Discrimination Act, I could have been medically discharged for my hearing definciency, but as I had passed the initial hearing test and my hearing has deteriorated as part of my aging process, this is no longer the case as long as I can continue to pass the vocational hearing test.
I don't know if this test is possible for new entrants to the service but I would make enquiries about it if you fail the hearing test, you never know, it may all work out.
If you are asked which brigade the vocational hearing test was done by, direct them to the occupational health unit at Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, Bestwood Lodge, Arnold, Nottingham. Tel 0115 967 0880 and ask for the Occupational Health Department.
Good Luck
Kaiser

[Ffpf]

kaiser,

what was envolved in the vocational hearing test. I have just passed a recruit medical but my hearing isnt great and am concerned it may cause me problems in the future. Thanks

[Kaiser]

I had to wear BA in a building which was having a ppv fan running outside, I had to show that I had heard a DSU going off, I also had to be able to understand radio messages. A vehicle was put in to reverse gear and I had to show when the reversing beep noise was sounded.  I also had to show that I could hear a low pressure warning whistle on a BA set inside the building.  Finally, I did a radio check on main scheme radio and had to write down the message I had received from control.

All pretty easy stuff really, I was led to believe that this is an acceptable vocational hearing test in many brigades around the country.

[Andy Cole]

There are also, as another post on the forum discuses, cases of operational firefighters now wearing Hearing aids!

I would advise you go along and don't say anything as Rich says it may have just been a fluke!!

Good Luck

[Kaiser]

Cheers guts much appreciated. Does any body know of any issues regarding wearing hearing protection whilst on duty. Are ear plugs allowed by brigades when on a turnout.

It depends on the task you are doing but if there is a requirement for ear protection, then you should wear ear protection.  Under normal operational duties, there aren't many times that you would need ear protection.  I personally have a boot bag with me at all times on the appliance with lots of things in it and ear defenders are always in it just in case.