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Q&A
What are the hearing requirements for a DOT physical?
Can I get a DOT medical card if I use a hearing aid?
What are the hearing requirements for a DOT physical?
The driver must be able to perceive a forced whispered voice in one ear, the better ear, at not less than five feet with or without the use of a hearing aid. If the driver fails the whisper test, the medical examiner will refer the driver to have an audiometry test. The driver must pass an audiometer test before the medical certificate can be considered.
I’m a CDL driver and my concern is I’m getting hard of hearing as I get older. If I’m unable to hear a whisper at 5 feet, will I be unable to drive a commercial vehicle? Is there a waiver I need to get? What do I need to do that will allow me to continue driving?
All you will need to do is get hearing aids and the examiner will indicate you need to wear your hearing aids to pass the DOT examination. This does not place a time restriction or limitation on your DOT certificate and you won’t need an exemption.
Can I get a DOT medical card if I use a hearing aid?
Yes, as long as you can perceive a forced whispered voice in one ear, the better ear, at not less than five feet with or without the use of a hearing aid. If you use a hearing aid for the DOT physical, then you must wear that hearing aid and have it in operation at all times while driving. Also, you must be in possession of a spare power source for the hearing aid while driving.
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My husband just got a cochlear implant in one ear because he has no hearing in it. He has been driving with hearing aids for 5-6 yrs now passes the hearing test to get his medical card. Is he able to still drive with a cochlear implant?
@ Helen
He should have no difficulties with this.
if i can hear the forced whisper but not what they are saying does that make any difference in passing.I’m in Missouri.
@ Allan B
Here the difficulty lies in who the examiner is. Female voices have a much higher frequency and are more difficult to understand, especially for an OTR driver. If the same test is done with a male, deeper voice frequency, it should be easier to understand what is said.
DOT/FMCSA for a class A cdl driver, requires you ‘perceive ‘ sound of a forced whisper at 5 feet with at least one ear.
Wearing hearing aids but can only hear the forced whisper in both ears at 10′. Can I still qualify for a two year card?
@ Robert
There will be questions from the CME regarding the possibility of increasing your hearing range by adjusting the hearing aids. But if all else is within normal limits, you should be good for two years.
I am deaf and I applied for transportation associate (TAM) I have the hearing exemption documents What is next step do I need to do ? Do I have to go back to the clinic and have my dr to do the DOT paperwork and sign his name then fax back to FMCSS ?
@ David
Your exemption paperwork should have instructions. Most likely, have your doctor complete the forms and then fax the paperwork back to FMCSA.
Hello my name Oscar M, I’m full deaf but i most wearing hearing aids cause I’m work Amazon delivery driver so can I get dot certification? Maybe not approved cause I am deaf?
@ Oscar M
You are going to fall under your states guidelines and variances, not federal DOT/FMCSA. Federal medical certification is mostly for class A cdl holders and we suspect you are not a class A cdl holder. Confirm with your local drivers license department for guidance.
I mean I not driver truck a CDL.. i driver for step van so do you think I can get dot certification for step van?
@ Oscar M
You should be fine. It will depend on the medical examiners knowledge of your states guidelines and variances.
Great ok I can come see you this Wednesday for physical exam? If so then send me address I’ll be there
@ Oscar M
Not sure who you are about to go see, We are in another state and your medical examiner needs to be from your state.
What’s the urine for? Thanks…be ,
@ John
Blood, protein and sugar. Possible kidney problems.
If I was denied my physical card because of the wisper test and I’m in the process of filing an Exemption Requst, can I go to another doctor and pay out of pocket for the physical? Also, if I pass the new physical, am I legal then? I’m deaf in one ear and wear a hearing aid in the good ear! Problem I’m having is understanding what was said in the wisper! Can hear it but do not understand!
@ Barry W
Most men have difficulty hearing and understanding a women’s voice, so try to have this test done by a male examiner. If you pass, it will be good and over-ride the no pass. It will indicate wearing a hearing aid while driving on your medical card.
I was diagnosed with rt. Ear menieres disease back in 2020. Got a Dot release from my Dr. Saying I’m fine. As I’m also diabetic I must get tested yearly. First few physicals went fine then about the third physical Dr. Says he can’t certify me. Showed me the DOT regs . But The regulations said if I’m fine according to the doctors and I have that statement I should be good to go. I had to point that part out. He passed me. Has anything changed in the last year? I haven’t had any problem medically in over 2 years. Thanks for any input. Please reply.
@ Rick
You should be fine, no major changes, just make sure you bring the letter from your treating physician.