Profile For Pv

Hello Old School,

Yes, I am aware that the information is posted on the WIki. Kudos for that as most places don't even list the hearing exemption as an option. However, if you search the website, the first item found is the DOT hearing and ear test with a link to the available exemption, which is not clear that there indeed is a hearing exemption in place. The rest of the items found were various threads relating to people commenting about hearing loss but no mention of the hearing exemption itself.

Comparing how many threads are made regarding hearing loss and the small amount of visual space given to the hearing exemption, it's easy to see that the hearing exemption information is not easily found. It doesn't help that the hearing exemption is not well known throughout the trucking industry (and most DOT physicians/ state DOT offices as well as employers). So I'm constantly fielding inquiries and trying to get the information out there. I've spent the past 9 months with my state DOT office to accept the hearing exemption and not cause drivers needless delays because they were not sure about how to process the paperwork issued by FMCSA.

I advise any driver with a hearing loss that expresses concerns about passing the "forced whisper" test to go ahead and apply for the hearing exemption "just in case" so that they don't experience any delays and lose their medical card which prevents them from driving until they have the paperwork in place. It generally takes anywhere from 6-12 months for a hearing exemption request to be reviewed and issued if approved. So it's not a good idea to wait until the proverbial hearing test to start exploring the hearing exemption.

Thank you for all that you do on this forum. I hope to contribute further to this forum in a way that benefits all users.

PV you realize you are bumping year old posts right?

Hello,

Yes I am fully aware that I'm bumping year old posts. I'm trying to get the information out there about the hearing exemption so that people don't needlessly lose their jobs.

I had a couple of truckers that came to me for services that either gradually lost hearing in 1 or both ears or had a sudden onset of lost. Barring any medical issues that could serve as the primary cause (Meniere's, etc.), hearing loss can happen gradually or suddenly and is usually caused by long term exposure to loud noises.

Yes, you can still drive with a hearing loss. FMCSA now issues hearing exemptions that allows you to forego the "forced whisper" test and you meet the other physical requirements. The hearing exemptions are renewable up to every 2 years. If you have any questions about the hearing exemption, contact me any time.

There are exemptions that you can apply for if this becomes a problem for you. And if you end up having to go that route, I think you would be able to get the exemption as long as you have good hearing in one ear. I met a driver with hearing aids in both ears who was able to get the exemption.

To politely correct you, you do not have to have hearing in 1 good ear in order to qualify for the hearing exemption. I know of a number of profoundly deaf individuals with CDLs that have been driver interstate for a number of years now with zero issues. Some became deaf later in life and others were born deaf. The hearing exemption applies to all levels/degrees of hearing loss. You have to make sure you meet the other physical requirements. The hearing exemption can be renewed up to every 2 years.

I am well versed on the hearing exemption that FMCSA issues so if you have any questions, you can contact me any time.

To add to this, FMCSA now issues hearing exemptions for those who cannot or might not pass the "forced whisper" test. I know of a number of drivers who are severely hard of hearing or profoundly deaf and they drive CDL interstate without any issues. I am well versed in the hearing exemption as I've helped a number of people obtain theirs and can answer questions.

I am suspicious of the Meniere's disease. I'm also suspicious of your ENT doctor wanting to do steroid injections before utilizing other evaluations first. This does not make sense, and this comes from a rehabilitation counselor.

Follow up, get a second opinion. If you do have just hearing loss, you can still drive via the hearing exemption that FMCSA issues. If nothing else, visit your local VR office and pursue services.