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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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Can a hearing aid specialist give audiometric test to meet CDL requirements in illinois.
@ Linda
Yes, take the results to the CME. The DOT examiner may still perform a whisper test to confirm the overall findings.
Hi My question is how many weeks can you get a hearing aid result from an audiologist before going to the actual DOT physical examiner? Thanks
@ Greg M
The closer to the DOT examination the better. And the CME may still perform the whisper test to confirm the need for the hearing aids.
I went to get new fed-med card passed everything except the hearing and was denied my card. Hen I arrived and filled out the forms I stated I wear hearing aids and brought a copy of my hearing test from an audiologist that showed my hearing loss. They still stuck me in the both without my hearing aids and surprise I failed. Then dr. comes in and tells me that I can’t get a new card because of my hearing so I said that’s because the nurse tested me without my aids in so the dr. does the whisper test with my hearing aids and I pass that but at the end of my exam I’m told I can’t get my card . Reason hearing . And they listed my hearing aids as sound amplifiers. I don’t understand this
@ Robert P
If you pass the hearing test with your hearing aids in, then you should have passed. Get a second opinion somewhere else.
Did you get the hearing aids through the audiologist or amazon?
Why should that matter if he can pass the whisper test? Do they hold wearers of vision aids to the same level of scrutiny? “Yes, you passed the vision test with those glasses, but we need documentation from your eye doctor.” That never happens.
I am a Public School bus driver who has recently been diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease. I have heard conflicting tales of whether or not this will disqualify me for a CDL. I am aware and have ample warning of an oncoming attack. Is there criteria for Meniere’s as a disqualifying disability or is it cut and dry? Or is (fingers crossed) this not considered to be a disqualifying disability?
@ Glenda M
You are a school bus driver and you fall under the states variances and guidelines, not FMCSA. Check with your local drivers license department for your best answer.
im hard of hearing in both ears and i barely passed forced whisper in one ear. failed in the other. ive ben tryn to get hearing aids but my insurance doesnt cover it. its $5000 for both ears. $2500 for one. i cannot afford either. im stumped on what to do. amplifiers are useless. if i cant get one i loss my job? is there a law about providing employees with disabilities the equipment to do there job? i got a family to support. if i spend the money on a hearing aid i wont be able to pay my bills nor feed us.
@ Don s T
FMCSA wants you to be able to hear a forced whisper, in at least one good ear, with or without a hearing aid. Make sure a man does the forced whisper test. Females have a very high frequency vs a man’s lower tones, even in a whisper.
Does the hearing aid have ro be prescribed?
Can it be store bought?
@ Gino
If it is needed and works for you, then your good. It does not have to be prescribed, but it’s helpful.
That’s the question and answer I was looking for, I failed the whisper test, she was wearing a mask and also cover her mouth with her tablet, I have Hues Aidion Hearing Aids that aren’t prescribed and I hear really good with them, they gave me a 6 month card 2 weeks ago, I still going to see a audiologist just in case, if he says the ones I have will work, I’ll use them when I go back. Thanks for all your information.
The regulation states you have to carry back up power for the hearing aid in your possession. What if you’re hearing aid is rechargeable not battery powered? Some of the new ones are going to a charging station at night while you sleep as opposed to a replaceable battery.
@ Jared
That should not even raise a question by an examiner.
My job does not require a CDL only a regular license in California but it does require all drivers to pass DOT physical. I am profoundly deaf. California DMV says they have no hearing exemption from the physical because the job only requires a regular license. FMCSA says the same. How do I pass the DOT physical then? I have been sent around several times and no one seems to answer my question. Please help.
@ Darryl
Your standard driver’s license should already indicate the need for a hearing aid. That is all the CME needs to know, then he would mark the same thing on the medical card. Explain that you are not a class a, otr driver, and that you fll under the state’s licensing variencies.
The standard license does not require a hearing aid. Deaf people can drive without a hearing aid. I cannot hear with a hearing aid either so it would not help.
Again, the job does not require a CDL but requires a DOT phsyical test because of the weight of the trucks they drive. FMCSA, however, provides hearing exemptions only for CDLs. It just does not seem to make sense.
@ Darryl
Then explain your driving duties and make sure the examiner understands the FMCSA regulations, as well as your states variances. Then you should not have any issues.
If I have a class a cdl. I need to wear hearing aids to drive a professional truck at work. My question is if I am driving my personal car, do I have to wear my hearing aids? Deaf people can drive their personal vehicles!
@ Steven O D
True, but as a CDL class A driver? Most states would require you having your hearing aids on, if stopped.
i have taken a audiometeric hearing test and i’m well below the standard needed to pass the hearing exam. if i opp not to purchase hearing aids at this time what will happen at my next DOT test date.is the Doctor where i had failed the hearing part of the test required to notify Dot that the test was not passed
@ Wayne M
Each federal DOT examination performed is reported to the FMCSA.