Seafarers must be able to hear alarms, communicate by radio and voice, and respond to commands, often in noisy environments. Hearing is therefore assessed in seafarer medical examinations.
How hearing is assessed
Depending on national rules, hearing may be screened by speech tests and confirmed by pure-tone audiometry. The ILO/IMO Guidelines describe recommended hearing standards; national authorities set the binding thresholds and testing methods.
Hearing aids and changes over time
Whether hearing aids are acceptable, and for which duties, is decided under national rules and by the examiner. Noise-induced hearing loss develops gradually, so periodic testing helps detect changes early.
Read more in the Hearing Center.
Sources
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