Requires a case-by-case assessment of each candidate to determine if the candidate is able to perform the essential functions of the position.

a. Hearing acuity: Hearing levels should be tested from 500 Hertz (Hz) to 6,000 Hz. For purposes of qualification, single hearing levels should not exceed 25 decibels (DB) at either 500, 1,000, or 2,000 Hz nor exceed 30 DB at 3,000 Hz frequencies in each ear. For abnormal testing results between 4,000 and 6,000 Hz frequencies, further refined audiological evaluation is recommended. Unless otherwise specified, the hearing tests are to be administered by a qualified physician or practitioner in an environment and using equipment that meet the current state standards. Any other testing system or conditions

are not valid and may not be used.

b. Recourse testing: If the candidate's pure tone screening test is deemed unacceptable, such candidate may, at his/her own expense, have an audiological examination administered by a state licensed audiologist, including: hearing sensitivity; speech discrimination in quiet; and speech discrimination in noise. Testing should be performed in a sound treated environment meeting the 1969 ANSI or any subsequent standard. The CID W-22 word lists should be presented at 50 DB HL via a calibrated speech audiometer through a single speaker stationed at 0 degrees azimuth with the candidate seated at approximately 39 inches from the speaker. Speech (hearing) discrimination testing in a background of broad-band noise should be conducted in the same sound field

environment. Again, using a different version of one of the CID W-22 word lists presented at 50 DB HL, a competing noise should be simultaneously presented at 40 DB HL (S/N = +10) through the same speaker (0 degrees azimuth) as the test words or through a separate speaker located at 180 degrees azimuth. The minimal acceptable standard of speech (hearing) discrimination shall be a score no poorer than 90% in quiet and 70% in noise on two of the pre-recorded versions of the CID W-22 word lists. An open-test response format should be utilized with the candidate responding in writing.

Hearing Aid Check -- Biological (HAC-B): Use of hearing aids to achieve such standards are permitted as long as they are self-contained and fit within (auricular) or behind or over (post-auricular) the ear.

Hearing Aid Check -- Acoustical (HAC-A): Candidates with hearing aids shall, at their own expense, provide evidence from a licensed audiologist, using functional gain or real ear measurements, that such aid(s) meet the stipulated manufacturer's standards.

c. Perforated Tympanic Membrane.

d. Acute Otitis Media, Otitis Externa, and Mastoiditis.

e. Inner/middle/outer ear disorders affecting equilibrium. If the candidate has historically had episodes of vertigo, he/she may require further evaluation.