July 14, 2009
Can an employer refuse to hire you because you wear hearing aids?
*Due 10/4 with Rebekah* asked:
My father-in-law just went to Virignia, (13 hour drive), for a job that was offered to him. He just called to say he’s on the way home because the employer is refusing to hire him because he wears a hearing aid. They don’t interfere with his job, and he doesn’t really “need” them to do what he does, (Sheet metal mech. & HVAC). Is it legal for them to take away the job offer after they already hired him over the phone because of hearing aids??
Yes, he can prove it. They told him point blank, and even gave him a letter stating why they didn’t hire him.
He cuts sheet metal, and installs air conditioning and heating units. He was getting hired to do work by himself, so it’s not like he honestly needs to hear wonderfully anyway. (unless he wants to talk to himself…)
Advice on the best software
My father-in-law just went to Virignia, (13 hour drive), for a job that was offered to him. He just called to say he’s on the way home because the employer is refusing to hire him because he wears a hearing aid. They don’t interfere with his job, and he doesn’t really “need” them to do what he does, (Sheet metal mech. & HVAC). Is it legal for them to take away the job offer after they already hired him over the phone because of hearing aids??
Yes, he can prove it. They told him point blank, and even gave him a letter stating why they didn’t hire him.
He cuts sheet metal, and installs air conditioning and heating units. He was getting hired to do work by himself, so it’s not like he honestly needs to hear wonderfully anyway. (unless he wants to talk to himself…)
Advice on the best software
Filed under Hearing Aids by admin
Comments on Can an employer refuse to hire you because you wear hearing aids? »
information_police @ 8:27 pm
Yes. It is a violation of the Americans with Disability Act. The question is- can he prove that they didn’t hire him because of his hearing aid?
cmdrbnd007 @ 3:34 am
Nope, that’s against the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact a lawyer or the EEOC.
bud68 @ 8:38 am
I find it hard to believe that the situation is as cut-and-dried as stated. You say the hearing aids don’t interfere with doing the job, but the company may have concluded otherwise. Or they may have concluded that he is medically unqualified for the job.
someguy @ 12:16 pm
in sertin conditions like a pilot they have to hear extremly acuatly for instructions they can but in most jobs no it is the same as refusing to hire someone becouse they are white or black or to fat
Perry @ 8:47 am
I cant believe that an Employer such as this has discrimated against your Father in Law for wearing Hearing Aids
The hearing aids would in no way affect his ability to work ( In fact not wearing them may create Health & Safety issues for him )
I’m not up to speed on US Laws , But here in Australia that would be treated very dimly by our Equal Opportunities Commision & the Employer would likely end up in court.
But ask yourself this :-
If this Employer has a problem with something a simple as hearing aids , What other nasty habits / secrets does he have?
I wouldn’t want to work for an employer with that sort of attitude.
Good Luck to your Father in Law , I hope he can find work with a NORMAL employer soon.
Ed H @ 3:35 am
Hearing loss is a disability covered by the ADA act. My impression is that he can not be discriminated against. You can find out information on his rights at the following link: and he may contact an attorney who specializes in employment law.
I am sorry to hear about what he has been going through and I hope things work out for him. If his state has a department of Vocational Rehablilitation, they may be able to assist him in finding employment. They have a list of companies that hire people with disabilities.