Hearing loss

SilverFishVA · 02-07-2010, 10:53 PM

Hello all,

My only concern with the licenses is that I have a profoundly hearing loss. While aided, I can perfectly understand a person speaking.

Will this drastically affect my chance at getting a maritime's license, let's say an unlimited master's license?

Franklin

Almarktool · 02-08-2010, 10:20 AM

well acording to the rules that are written, it says that for your first time applying that
the hearing test must be unaided, no hearing aid, i went through this as well however
you could prob get a wavier, here is what i would do, go take the physical part of the
exam first and then submit that part of it for evaluation and apprval , before spending
your money on all the other parts of the test

Mariners School · 02-10-2010, 06:31 AM

Here is what the rules says on hearing:

HEARING

Hearing thresholds are checked at 500 Hertz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz and 3000 Hz. The frequency responses for each ear are averaged to give a measure of hearing ability.

ORIGINAL DECK OFFICER LICENSES: An average, unaided hearing threshold of 70 db or less for each ear and functional speech discrimination of at least 90% is acceptable.

RENEWAL OR RAISE OF GRADE: An average unaided hearing threshold of 70 db or less for each ear and/or functional speech discrimination of at least 80% at 55 db for each ear is acceptable.

DECK OFFICER: Hearing aids may be used by applicants to meet the auditory requirements for all renewal or raise of grade transactions. The aided threshold should be 40 db or less in each ear and functional speech
discrimination should be at least 90% at 55 db in both ears. The unaided threshold should be 70 db or less in each ear and functional speech discrimination of at least80% at 55 db, binaural.

Other conditions outside of the ones discussed may be considered for a waiver when recommended by the Officer in Charge Marine Inspection.

We have many students who have gone through the waiver process with little or no trouble. You can download the necessary medical forms from our website www.MarinersSchool.com and have your personal physician or specialist determine if you need to go through the waiver process.

SilverFishVA · 02-11-2010, 06:02 PM

Yes, I don't meet any of those requirements. My doctor told me it would be impossible for me to pass them. I hope a waiver might change this.

I can hear very well with my hearing aids and if I am required to wear them, then that's not a problem. I just want to know what is my chance of getting through this process.

Mariners School · 02-15-2010, 06:42 AM

I am not a medical doctor so it would be unfair for me to venture a guess. However, I would not give up my dream without at least going through the process.

Good Luck!