Can You Drive With Hearing Loss?

If you are one of the millions of people that suffer from hearing loss, then you may be wondering if it is safe to drive. 

The answer is yes! You just need to take a few precautions. We will discuss some tips for driving with hearing loss in this blog post so read on and stay safe!

Is it Legal to Drive With Hearing Loss?

The answer to this depends on the state you’re in and the extent of your hearing loss.

Most states allow people with hearing loss to drive as long as they can still hear emergency sirens and horns. If you have a more severe case of hearing loss, you may need to get a special permit in order to continue driving.

When applying for a license in Nevada, you will need to obtain a doctor’s note verifying that your condition does not affect your ability to drive safely. This should be completed by an audiologist, otolaryngologist (ENT), or any other physician who has knowledge of hearing loss issues.

The DMV may require additional testing if you have been diagnosed with tinnitus or Meniere’s disease as well.

If Your Hearing Loss Interferes With Driving

Even though it might be legal for you to drive with hearing loss in most situations, this doesn’t mean it is safe for everyone! If the degree of hearing loss that you have makes it difficult to hear horns and sirens while driving then your safety could definitely be compromised.

For instance, if you are trying to listen intently to a GPS device in the car, you might not be able to hear when emergency vehicles are trying to get your attention.

In addition, if you feel that being unable to hear well while driving makes it hard for you safely change lanes or merge into traffic then you should also consider whether or not it is safe for other drivers on the road as well! It’s no secret that distracted driving has become an epidemic and hearing loss can definitely lead to increased distraction behind the wheel.

The bottom line: If your ability to drive is compromised because of hearing issues (even though they may be mild) then don’t put yourself or others at risk by getting behind the wheel without taking the proper precautions.

Tips for Driving With Hearing Loss

Here are some tips for staying safe while driving with hearing loss:

• Make sure your car is equipped with good mirrors so that you can see what is going on around you.
• Keep the radio or music turned down low so that you can better hear traffic and other noises outside the car.
• Drive at slower speeds and leave plenty of room between your car and others on the road.
• When possible, try to avoid busy roads and intersections.
• If you have trouble hearing other drivers or emergency vehicles, pull over to the side of the road and stop until you can safely proceed.

In the vast majority of cases, it is perfectly safe to drive with hearing loss.

However, if your condition is severe enough that you have trouble understanding other drivers or warning sirens, it may be best to avoid driving until you can get the help of a professional audiologist who can recommend products to make the road safer for you and others on the road.

Learn to Drive in Nevada Today!

The Northwest Driving School and Traffic School provides the Las Vegas community with live driving and traffic classes taught by seasoned instructors.

All of our driving instructors have passed background checks.

Each automobile is DMV safety-approved, and every member of the Northwest family is committed to providing excellent driver’s education and behind-the-wheel instruction.

At Northwest, you can expect to find outstanding classes, both on campus and behind the wheel, that are engaging, fact-filled, entertaining, and geared toward success.

We make no bones about it, we believe that Northwest provides the best driving lessons in Las Vegas, no matter your age or background. We are proud of the fact that 98% of our students pass their test on the first try. Call us at (702) 403-1592 to start your driving adventure with one of our expert instructors.

Written by:
Rich Heinrich,
Master Instructor / General Manager