Hearing impairment hinder you from becoming a conductor?

Question

My husband is hearing impaired. Not completely deaf but he does wear hearing aids. Was wondering if this could be a big factor for him trying to become a conductor with NS? Any additional info in regards to NS and there conductor training would be great.

Answer 1

theirs guys on the railroad all the time with hearing aids primarley do to the noise,,, but a lot of people that have hearing aids have trouble speaking, can he speak properly ? was he always deaf??  Its a flip of a coin without knowing your husband,,

Answer 2

I know that for safety critical work (which being a conductor is) here in the UK anyone must undergo a medical examination which includes a fairly rigorous hearing test, which it sounds as if your husband would fail.

But in the US it may just be different, though I would imagine that safety critical work fitness standards must be broadly similar, and I do know definitely that candidates for conductor training with NS must have a physical fitness exam.

There is a bit of information and a corporate recruitment and information video available at:

http://www.nscorp.com/nscportal/nscorp/J...

The video link is under 'Conductor Trainee' about halfway down the page.

Answer 3

I work for BNSF and when I hired out as a conductor, they hired a deaf man as well.  He has been deaf since birth but has had a cochlear implant and can hear with the help of the hearing aid.  He does have a "draw" when talking but hears fine.  I think the railroads are expanding their employee types and hiring more people with disabilities these days...as long as they can complete the task.  The man in question is now an engineer after 3 years of working as a conductor.  I think if your husband can communicate verbally and has corrective measures that help the hearing as the hearing aid, he shouldn't be discounted.  He might actually have a higher leg up at getting hired for having a disability.

I would also stray from the NS if i could and go to the larger Class 1 railroads such as BNSF and the Union Pacific.  Better pay, better working conditions, and better contracts for the employees which gives better benefits.

Answer 4

I work for NS and it is imperative to have good, clear communication between crew members. Most of your job is handled over a 2 way radio, speaking and receiving instructions all day from dispatchers, yardmasters and such.

We receive hearing tests every 3 years plus I have had a couple of random ones in between.

Use your own judgement but by all means don't bet the farm on this position.

NS conductor training includes 6-9 months of hands on training, including 2 one week trips to georgia for class room studies.

Answer 5

Major stumbling block.  

I know that isn't what you want to hear, but hearing is critical in the operating department.  If you can't hear a car sneaking up on you, hard enough with good hearing, you are the walking dead.

I would be surprised if he would meet their minimum standards.  But, you've nothing to lose by trying.

Good luck to you both.