answer:Forgive my ignorance—but I think that when people are diving they aren’t talking (you have the breathing apparatus in your mouth) ..so likely it’s irrelevant that you can’t hear much underwater. In fact, if you happen to know sign language and can communicate with other divers with hand gestures, that would be a positive, wouldn’t it? As you have hearing aids for all land-based research activities…I don’t see that you’re at a disadvantage at all. I can’t see any reason for you not to pursue this career path. Go for it!