Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Mr.G_TEFL]

I am interested in TEFL upon graduating with a B.S. in Social Science Education with a Certificate in TEFL, however I am worried about passing the Health Check once in Korea to obtain my ARC. I have an illness which has caused me slight hearing loss, tinnitus, and on vary rare occasions vertigo. Through medication all of my symptoms are managed and I have hearing aids if I ever need them, which is not often. I am wondering what my chances of acceptance are? Also, when I take the hearing test in Korea would they allow me to use my hearing aids if necessary? Like I said, I hardly need them, especially during conversation. Lastly, I think it would be best to inform them of this information well in advance as opposed to concealing it until the health check...any thoughts? Thank you for any guidance!

[ttompatz]

Disclose the disability and you won't get a job. You'll never get hired and it won't make it to the medical.

It is not an infectious disease, mental health issue or likely to cause a seizure and provided the drugs don't show up at the time of your medical no-one will know.

There is no hearing test beyond listening to the instructions/questions from the doctor or nurse when you get your medical and if there is any problem at that point they will usually assume it is their English and not your hearing that is the problem.

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[JustinC]

It's my understanding a huge percentage of the population has some hearing loss, either from illness, loud music or just ageing. Don't bother disclosing and get advice from a doctor about keeping your ears clear of wax. Also ask the doctor how quickly the meds get out of your system.

[Malislamusrex]

Doubt this is useful because tests will be different in different hospitals, but;

I've taken the hearing test twice. The sound test 'sound' is in both ears. If one is damaged it might no be a problem. Also, I could see the nurse move her hand. I pressed the button when I saw her hand move, she was impressed.

[cheolsu]

I have hearing that's more sensitive than the average person, but I didn't understand how the hearing test was conducted, since it wasn't explained to me. I passed without doing anything.

[schwa]

The hearing test basically determines that you're not stone deaf. You'll be fine. Dont report it on the medical self-assessment form.

That said, hearing impairment does pose a challenge in a language class. A couple times, about 6 weeks each time, I've dealt with plugged up ears that reduced my hearing to about 30%. Made it somewhat tough to catch some soft-spoken kids & to gauge my own speaking volume.

[EZE]

Once you arrive and start teaching, it might be a good idea to arrange the seating of the students in a way that the loud students are in the back and the soft-spoken students are in the front.

My hearing is fine, but when there are loud students talking with each other in the front and a quiet student in the back row is whispering an answer, it can be hard even for me.

But I agree with the others. I think you'll be fine on the medical test.

[young_clinton]

What they can't find out they don't need to know. Don't ever disclose information that doesn't need to be disclosed when trying to get a teaching job in Asia. If and when you come find a doctor far away from your school that will prescribe the medication.

[Mr.G_TEFL]

Thank you to everyone who has offered advice, you rock! I was worried about not disclosing it, but I know that it won't show on any tests so that is comforting. If you bumped into me on the street and had a conversation you would never know that I have a hearing issue. I only use my hearing aids when my tinnitus goes crazy which is very rare. As far as medications go I am on alprazolam, Xanax; would this raise any red flags or should I just play it safe and try to flush them from my system? Thanks again for the great feedback.

[le-paul]

urine/drugs tests are for for specific drugs. apart from that, the only thing that shows up usually, is high levels of protein or discolouration in your
pee. dont worry.