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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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Your comments are also welcome.
Hearing in my left hear is at 92%, hearing in the right ear is 28%. I have certification from the audiologist. In AZ, can I keep my CDL with yearly hearing tests?
@ Muchele S
Yes, there should be no issues.
My medical card expires 04-24-20. When can I have a physical? And will the new expiration date be from 4-24-20?
@ G W K
You can take the examination at any time before the expiration date. The medical card will be dated on the date it was done and not 4-24.
I have an employee who is hearing impaired and will not pass the dot requirements showing . The FMCSA has a waiver form for the hearing impaired which allows them to obtain a CDL . In the state of New Jersey will this be ok for him to still obtain his CDL. He needs CDL for a upgrade in pay.
Thanks Jimmy
I have Cochlear implants in both ears and hear fine when wearing them, but I cannot hear without them, can I still attend CDL schools and obtain a class A license?
@ Lucas B
Yes. Your medical card will indicate that you must wear your hearing devices at all times while driving
What is the restriction code for when a driver must wear hearing aides?
@ Tamara D
If hearing aids were used to pass the medical card certification, then the aids must be worn at all times while driving.
I have to renew my medical certificate shortly and now I have severe hearing loss in my left ear but my right ear is ok, can I still pass the medical exam in the state of New Jersey using aids or just get by with whisper test on my good ear and does it require a medical doctors approval to have the test administered this way. thanks
@ eddie d
Just use your hearing aids and you should be fine. It will be marked on your medical card that you are to be wearing hearing aids during driving.
been almost 3 months since i went in for my renewal of my medical certificate the one that did the exam only gave me a 90 day certificate due to her saying my blood pressure was high,so she put me on medication and have been getting my blood pressure rechecked every 2 weeks by a nurse who tells the one who did the exam who issued the prescription when this all started she said that i would need at least 2 readings under 140 to get a 1 year certificate well have had at least 2 readings well below 140 so now i get told i have to make an appointment to see the one who issued the first one and pay for another exam ,is this the case or am i just being given the runaround by the clinic as a way for them to get another $120.00 thank you
@ Brian F
CME’s are not supposed to be prescribing medications. They are to perform the DOT/FMCSA examination and if issues arise that require medical attention, then you should have been referred to your primary doctor. And yes, a new DOT medical certification examination is required by FMCSA.
So are you saying a provider who provides primary care for an individual cannot perform his DOT if the provider is certified to do so? And does that patient have to make another appt if he needs attention other than DOT?
@ Jennifer L
Any certified medical examiner on the FMCSA registry can perform and issue a federal medical certification card. And, you would need to confirm the office policies regard additional services other than DOT.
If you have a restriction 11 on your CDL, does that restriction also apply when you are not driving a commercial vehicle?
@ Ralph M
Your best answer will come from your states DLD.