Hearing loss can affect many people regardless of age, gender or profession. Anyone who has been exposed to loud noise over a period of time can suffer from hearing damage. This is the case of police officers, who during their years in law-enforcement are constantly exposed to loud noise. Once they are diagnosed with loss of hearing, officers are given hearing aids to help them deal with the condition and continue to do their job.
An article written by the New York Times goes over how New York City police officers are now prohibited from using these hearing aids on the job, thus forcing them to retire early. This is because good hearing health is a requirement to join the force.
The article interviewed former police officers Daniel Carione, 44, and Jim Phillips, 40 who are both filing a complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Office Carione states “It sends a message to anyone who is suffering from hearing loss that if you come forward and make that known, we will end your career.” This is a worrying situation, since many of these individuals need to receive proper treatment and diagnosis from an audiologist, such as Dr. Joseph Duran, to help them lead a better quality of life.
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