How hard is it to pass the D.O.T. physical? (Specifically the hearing test)

Smaller companies will just accept your medical card no matter where it came from.

 

Basically you need to hear a whisper from your good ear at 5 feet (or greater). If you have a hearing aid, you obviously may use this during the test, but it sounds as if you don't have one.

The standard per the FMCSR if you don't have greater than 40 decibels of hearing loss and can hear forced whisper at 5 feet, you are in good shape. We also will look in your ear to check how the tympanic membrane (ear drum) looks for scarring, perforations, occluded ear canals (ear wax). IF you can't hear at 5 feet, the worst case scenario is that you will be referred to an audiologist for audiometric testing. Failing both of these would be disqualifying, but I doubt you will have a problem because you need one "good" ear technically. Also, at worst, you would need a hearing aid(s).

Let me know if you have further questions.

 

AT 95 - I'm sorry for not responding all weekend.

It is a whisper, shouldn't be too "soft" at all. That would be unfair I would think. Not really a lowered tone of voice.

As for the scarring - even if that ear is affected hearing-wise, as long as you can hear with your good ear. Scarring isn't disqualifying - ability to hear is the issue at hand. As long as you pass with the "good ear", nothing to worry about.