2010 BC Guide in Determining Fitness to Drive

18.7 Commercial drivers with hearing lossApplicationAssessment guidelinesThese guidelines apply to driver fitness determinations forcommercial drivers who are required to conduct a pre-trip vehicleinspection under s.37.22 of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulation.If the treating physician indicates a change in hearing ability in alicensed commercial driver who previously met the hearing standardoutlined below, OSMV will request an audiometric assessmentconducted by an: otolaryngologist audiologist, or hearing clinic operated by BC Ministry of Health.If the audiometric assessment indicates that an individual does notmeet the hearing standard, OSMV will request an ICBC pre-tripinspection test.No hearing requirements on initial application for licenceFitness guidelinesOSMV determinationguidelinesConditionsRestrictionsRe-assessmentguidelinesPolicy rationaleAfter initial licensing, individuals who develop corrected oruncorrected hearing loss greater than 40 dB averaged at 500, 1000,and 2000 Hz in their better ear may drive if they successfullycomplete a pre-trip inspection test demonstrating that they are able tocompensate for their hearing loss.OSMV may find individuals fit to drive if: their corrected or uncorrected hearing loss is not greater than 40dB averaged at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz in their better ear, or if their corrected or uncorrected hearing loss is greater than 40 dBaveraged at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz in their better ear, theysuccessfully complete a pre-trip inspection test demonstrating thatthey are able to compensate for their hearing loss.No conditions are required.OSMV will place the following restriction on an individual’s licenceif the individual must wear a hearing aid in order to meet the hearingstandard outlined above:23 Must wear hearing aidOSMV will place the following restriction on an individual’s licenceif the individual does not meet the hearing standard outlined above:51 Visible low air warning deviceNo re-assessment, other than routine commercial re-assessment, isrequired.There is insufficient evidence to support a minimum hearing222