In an article published June 19, 2011, (www.nytimes.com/2011/06/20/nyregion/ny-enforces-ban-on-police-officers-using-hearing-aids.html) the New York Times reported the New York City police department has banned the use of hearing aids on the job. Two officers who were forced to retire because they did wear hearing aids on the job have filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), saying that the policy is discriminatory toward people with hearing loss.
It appears that the NYC police department has a kind of "don't ask, don't tell" policy toward hearing aid wearers. According to the New York Times, Paul J. Browne, the department's chief spokesman, said it was "not actively looking to see if people have hearing aids." He does admit that the department has told officers to stop wearing the hearing aids once found. According to Dan Carione, one of the two officers who were forced to retire, the department is sending a message that if you step forward and make your use of hearing aids known, "it will end your career."
Mr. Carione and his attorneys contacted HLAA soon after he learned the department's policy last fall. HLAA has offered continuing support and information about hearing loss and employment issues as he works toward reinstatement.
Taken from https://hlaa-advocacy.blogspot.com/2011/06/ny-city-forces-retirement-of-police.html.
NY City Forces Retirement of Police Officers Wearing Hearing Aids
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