Hearing Requirement for dispatchers?

[ExplorerSGT]

I currently dispatch for a private ambulance company that services the LA county fire dept. I am completely deaf in one ear and was recently diagnosed with menieres disease which is being controlled by medicine (lorazepam and diuretics), on the CHP web site it says "normal hearing". Im sure this would be an issue if i were to apply but since i was born deaf im used to the hearing loss and i am able to compensate with my other ear. Does anyone know the specifics?

[HIPCHIP]

You might want to contact the local Comm Center for you and ask there. They should be able to give you specific info.

On the CHP web-site is info on the Comm Centers. They show LACC's phone number as 323-259-2000

[ExplorerSGT]

You might want to contact the local Comm Center for you and ask there. They should be able to give you specific info.

On the CHP web-site is info on the Comm Centers. They show LACC's phone number as 323-259-2000

Thanks, when i was interested in the cadet postion a few years ago i called CHU and they said i would pretty much be disqualified because the state requirement is no more than a 25decibal loss in the worse ear and unfortunatly im at 65db :confused:

[cal911gal]

The decibal range may be a bit wider for dispatcher, but I don't know what the specifics are. Try asking CHU again what constitues "normal" by their definition for the PSD position. For the PSD position, a charted audiogram is required. CHU should be able to advise what the accepted range is.

I do know of some dispatchers with hearing loss who can compensate by turning up their headsets; however, once you turn it loud as it can go, then what do you do :)

If you are significantly impaired in one ear, that might DQ you. Our folks on radio often have to wear two headsets, one for radio and one for the phone. If you are unable to do that, well.....

If you get an answer from CHU, I'd like to hear it (no pun intended).

[G-Man]

I currently dispatch for a private ambulance company that services the LA county fire dept. I am completely deaf in one ear and was recently diagnosed with menieres disease which is being controlled by medicine (lorazepam and diuretics), on the CHP web site it says "normal hearing". Im sure this would be an issue if i were to apply but since i was born deaf im used to the hearing loss and i am able to compensate with my other ear. Does anyone know the specifics?

AMR or McCormick's? Not that it matters, just curious. I have friends that work for both, or at least used to.

[ExplorerSGT]

AMR or McCormick's? Not that it matters, just curious. I have friends that work for both, or at least used to.

AMR :biggrin:

[CHPWife]

I would actually apply, not trust what someone at the Comm center told you. (Once I called my husband in ISU and clerical told me he was on vacation for a week, they don't always know what they are talking about).

They do a physical but i can't remember what the requirements are. I will tell you that you have to be able to have a head set in one ear, a phone in the other and carry on a third converstaion while typing what is going on on the radio and what the Sgt is telling you on the phone.

[AyatollahGondola]

I currently dispatch for a private ambulance company that services the LA county fire dept. I am completely deaf in one ear and was recently diagnosed with menieres disease which is being controlled by medicine (lorazepam and diuretics), on the CHP web site it says "normal hearing". Im sure this would be an issue if i were to apply but since i was born deaf im used to the hearing loss and i am able to compensate with my other ear. Does anyone know the specifics?
Interesting,

I was born with super good hearing and lost one side very suddenly about 15 or so years ago. It was a drastic change, and there has been definately no compensating for it. I was told that one side predominantly decodes speech better...alot better. I'd say from experience now that it's pretty much true. So maybe it depends on which side the deafness is. It may not matter to the reviewing board though

[bluiis911]

[quote=CHPWife;55494]I would actually apply, not trust what someone at the Comm center told you. (Once I called my husband in ISU and clerical told me he was on vacation for a week, they don't always know what they are talking about).

Actually you can get good info by calling the Comm Center and speaking with a supervisor. And we do always know what we're talking about. CA911GAL also provided good info. Here's a little info regarding hearing and being hired by CHP...
I just hired a dispatcher with significant hearing loss in one ear. I can't tell you the amount because they don't tell me. I can tell you she was disqualified from continueing the process due to the report from the State doctor. She went to another doctor, not provided by the State, and was given the stipulation that, if she wears a headset that has adjustable volume she can do the job. She appealed the disqualification-her case went before the State Personnel Board and we were given approval to hire her. She is currently in the training program. So...don't give up. Continue the application process. I can't guarantee you would have the same results. But, it will cost you nothing unless you have to go to a private ear nose and throat specialist.