Can Hearing Tests Help Drivers Chapter

Total Length: 966 words ( 3 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1+

Page 1 of 3

Public health issues have been a concern for society since the dawn of civilization. Current issues focus on driver safety and certain precautions taken to ensure less accidents on the road. One thing that has gained some traction is the possible universal requirement for hearing tests for all driver's licenses. The CDL or commercial driver's permit and license requires a hearing test. The non-commercial permit and licensing does not.

Of the possible tests to determine adequate hearing in order to drive safely, two are most implemented which are audiometry and the forced whisper test. In the whisper test, drivers must be at least five feet from the examiner with the driver's ear being examined turned in the direction of the examiner. The other ear has to be covered. Then the examiner has to whisper random number or words with the individual then attempting to identify the words. Failure in the forced whisper test means taking the audiometric test.

Burden at issue:

The issue then lies if hearing tests become mandatory requirements for all licensing tests, how much time and money will be needed to administer both of the hearing tests? Non-commercial permits and licenses are given far more frequently than CDLs. Will the government have to put in more money towards the implementation of these hearing tests? Although the forced whisper test does not take much time to do, the audiometric tests can cost as much as $400 to administer.


Purpose:

The purpose of this short briefing is to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of making hearings tests part of the requirements for non-commercial driving.

Concepts:

Truck Drivers

Students

Elderly

Health Insurance

Hearing Tests

Hearing Aids

Focused Whisper Testing

Recreational

Commercial

Traffic Accidents

Evidence:

In order to get a CDL, one must do a DOT physical examination. The results of the exam remain valid for up to two years. Part of the exam is to go through a hearing test in which the person must be able to have average hearing loss within the better ear of 40dB or less. Other things like urine samples and blood pressure are tested. The reason why one must undergo all these tests to get a CDL is because of the higher standards expected from those holding a CDL. Those with a CDL that commit serious traffic violations will not only affect the driver's livelihood, but also potentially a business as well.

Non-commercial drivers, although must pass testing as well to get their licensing, are not taken as seriously when testing as when a person applies for a CDL. This is because the kind of level of driving done by a non-commercial driver is more for recreational/personal use than for business.

Concepts:

Assumptions:

It would be safe to assume that non-commercial drivers do not drive….....

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Can Hearing Tests Help Drivers" (2015, December 12) Retrieved May 21, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/hearing-tests-help-drivers-2159584

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Can Hearing Tests Help Drivers" 12 December 2015. Web.21 May. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/hearing-tests-help-drivers-2159584>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Can Hearing Tests Help Drivers", 12 December 2015, Accessed.21 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/hearing-tests-help-drivers-2159584