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Hearing aid lawsuit: Pennsylvania man with hearing aids sues over police denial

Hearing aid lawsuit: Pennsylvania man Bill Furman has filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against the Pennsylvania State Police over guidelines that forbid hearing aids in the certification process.

Hearing aid lawsuit: Pennsylvania man Bill Furman has filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against the Pennsylvania State Police over guidelines that forbid hearing aids in the certification process.

Brad C. Bower/AP

By

Genaro C. Armas, Associated Press /
June 16, 2010

A Pennsylvania man eager to pursue a career in law enforcement has filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against the state police over guidelines that forbid the use of hearing aids in the certification process.

Lawyers for Bill Furman filed the lawsuit Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania asking the rule be changed so Furman has the opportunity to become a municipal police officer. The state police oversees the certification process for all police officers in Pennsylvania.

Furman calls it a dream to become a police officer. He has used hearing aids since he was 4.

He currently works as a parking officer in Bellefonte and as a Centre County constable, an elected position that involves serving papers and transporting prisoners. He was set to attend a police training academy last year when he said he was told he couldn’t continue because of his hearing aids.

His lawyer notes the guidelines allow for the use of glasses to meet vision requirements.

"It’s an enhancement I have with the hearing aids," Furman told The Associated Press. "It does not make me better than you, but does it make me normal? Yeah, it’s no different than some people who wear corrective lenses."

A state police spokeswoman said she was not aware if the department’s attorneys had seen the suit and could not comment.

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Pa. man with hearing aids sues over police denial
SECOND ACT:Could this 50-year-old woman be the oldest Olympic weightlifter?

AP – In this June 10, 2010 photo provided by Bill Furman, Furman is show in his Bellefonte Borough Police …
By GENARO C. ARMAS Genaro C. Armas
–
Wed Jun 16, 2:20 pm ET

BELLEFONTE, Pa. – A Pennsylvania man eager to pursue a career in law enforcement has filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against the state police over guidelines that forbid the use of hearing aids in the certification process.

Lawyers for Bill Furman filed the lawsuit Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania asking the rule be changed so Furman has the opportunity to become a municipal police officer. The state police oversees the certification process for all police officers in Pennsylvania.

Furman, 39, of Boalsburg, calls it a dream to become a police officer. He has used hearing aids since he was 4.

He currently works as a parking officer in Bellefonte and as a Centre County constable, an elected position that involves serving papers and transporting prisoners. He was set to attend a police training academy last year when he said he was told he couldn’t continue because of his hearing aids.

His lawyer notes the guidelines allow for the use of glasses to meet vision requirements.

“It’s an enhancement I have with the hearing aids,” Furman told The Associated Press. “It does not make me better than you, but does it make me normal? Yeah, it’s no different than some people who wear corrective lenses.”

A state police spokeswoman said she was not aware if the department’s attorneys had seen the suit and could not comment.

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Seniors: New hearing aids small, sleek and super high-tech

Serving Dearborn and Dearborn Heights since 1918

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Published: Tuesday, June 15, 2010

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“If you think hearing aids are synonymous with getting old or becoming less capable, think again,” says Dr. Kathy Landau Goodman, chairperson of the Audiology Awareness Campaign.

Most individuals experiencing hearing loss are younger than 65, and hearing loss is significantly affecting their lives at work and home.

Fortunately, with today’s wealth of discreet and stylish hearing aid options it has become easier than ever to address a hearing loss.

Today’s advanced technology digital hearing aids offer features and sound processing systems that offer wearers major advantages over older analog instruments. These features include superior sound quality, improved clarity of speech in noisy conditions, and reduction in hearing aid feedback or whistle.

Some hearing aids now connect wirelessly and seamlessly to cell phones, TVs, computers, mp3 players, radios, landline phones and other electronic devices. Audio sounds are streamed directly into the hearing device using bluetooth technology.

“The first step is to have your hearing evaluated by an audiologist to determine the type and degree of your hearing loss and its impact on your ability to communicate,” says Dr. Landau Goodman.

If you are able to benefit from hearing aids, the audiologist will then discuss the various types of hearing aid styles, latest technologies, and what to expect from wearing hearing instruments.

Together, you and the audiologist will select the most appropriate hearing aids to improve communication with others and to fit your lifestyle needs.

To receive maximum benefit from your hearing aids, the audiologist will adjust the aids to maximize sound quality, comfort and clarity. Follow-up evaluations are necessary to get the maximum benefit from hearing instruments.

“A hearing loss does not need to restrict recreational, family or work related activities,” says Dr. Landau Goodman.

Properly fitted and programmed hearing aids, as well as instruction on effective communication strategies by an audiologist, can help improve communication in most listening situations and help you stay connected to friends and family.

To coincide with Better Hearing Month in May, the AAC has partnered with GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare to bring free hearing screenings to communities around the country so that people can have their hearing checked by audiologists who specialize in evaluating and treating hearing loss.

“By offering free hearing screenings throughout the United States, we have the ability to reach many Americans who might otherwise not have access to licensed audiologists. Now these individuals will have access to audiologists who can evaluate their hearing, determine whether they have hearing loss, and then make appropriate recommendations for treating their hearing problems,” says Dr. Landau Goodman.

To find an audiologist in your area conducting free hearing screenings, visit the AAC website, www.audiologyawareness.com or call the AAC hotline at (888) 833-EARS.

All family members, regardless of age, are encouraged to have a free hearing screening.

—Courtesy of ARAcontent
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