Driving with Hearing Loss - Can hearing loss affect my ability to drive?

Driving with Hearing Loss

Can you drive with hearing loss?

People see hearing loss as the end of driving and loss of independence

One of the main reasons for putting off getting a diagnosis of hearing loss is the fear that it may affect the ability to drive. The loss of independence can be one of the largest factors in delaying treatment.  However, if you are hard of hearing there is no need to put off getting the help you need.

Whether you are a new learner facing lessons whilst dealing with hearing loss or an experienced driver facing a new diagnosis - driving with hearing loss can be challenging, but it's not impossible.

With the right precautions and adaptations, drivers with hearing loss can safely navigate the roads.  In this article, we talk about how you can drive safely with hearing loss without impacting your ability to get around.

How will hearing loss affect my ability to drive?

Is it safe to drive with hearing loss?  Hearing loss affects millions of people worldwide and it can make it difficult to hear important sounds while driving such as sirens, horns, and warning signals. However, this doesn't mean that drivers with hearing loss should give up driving altogether. 

Many worry that the loss of hearing may impact their ability to drive safely but it has been found the opposite is in fact true. There have been studies conducted that often show drivers with hearing loss are more vigilant than their hearing counterparts.

This is because noisy passengers, phones or music distract them less and they tend to be more attuned to visual observations such as hazards, flashing lights and emergency signals.

Wearing hearing aids whilst driving

The most important step for drivers with hearing loss is to wear hearing aids or cochlear implants. Hearing aids can help amplify sounds and improve speech understanding, while cochlear implants can directly stimulate the auditory nerve to provide clearer sound signals.

Before getting behind the wheel, drivers with hearing loss should make sure their hearing aids or cochlear implants are working properly and that they are set to the appropriate volume levels.

What are the UK regulations for driving with hearing loss?

Should I inform the DVLA of my hearing loss?  For most people driving for domestic journeys, there is no need to worry as the answer is no. There is no need to inform the DVLA of a hearing loss diagnosis for a car or motorcycle license.

Should I inform the DVLA of my hearing loss if I drive for work?  On the other hand, for a bus, coach or lorry license, it is important to inform the DVLA if you are deaf. It is unlikely to affect your ability to drive but if the driver is involved in an accident without having done so, it can lead to fines and prosecution.

The short, easy-to-complete AUD1 form is accessible on the YouGov website. Once completed they may request further information from your hearing healthcare adviser or doctor so make sure you are in touch with them too.

How will hearing loss affect my driving lessons and tests?

Can I learn to drive with hearing loss?  Yes, you can still apply for your provisional license as normal and special provisions are available for the tests such as:

• Theory Test:  For the multiple-choice theory test you can have an onscreen BSL interpreter, have a lip reader during the test and/or use a listening aid hearing loop.
• Practical Test:  You need to inform the DVSA of hearing requirements in the practical test so the examiner is aware and can make accommodations.

If you have severe hearing loss some driving schools are specialised with instructors fluent in BSL - finding a ‘deaf aware’ instructor will help immensely and make you feel more confident in training and exam conditions.

If you rely on lipreading it is still possible to learn to drive this way, your instructor may also get you to stop when they need to explain something to you so that you can lipread or look at written instructions.

As you can see there are plenty of accommodations to ensure you succeed and pass each section of your driving test with ease. If you’re feeling unsure about any of these aspects or with just the examiner in the car in the practical test it is possible to take your driving instructor with you (just make sure you arrange that with them in advance!)

Driving with Hearing Loss

Is it safe to drive without wearing my hearing aids?

Should I wear my hearing aids whilst driving?

You aren’t obliged to wear your hearing aids when driving, some people prefer not to out of personal choice, but it can be helpful for hearing oncoming sirens and horns. Also, it is helpful to notice any differences in your engine sounds, often a strange noise will be the first sign of any problems arising.

Additionally, easily keeping a check on your revs without watching the dashboard can ensure greater fuel efficiency.

What assistance is there for drivers who are hard of hearing?

What happens if I break down and need help?   Perhaps you are worried about breaking down and not being able to get the help you need but breakdown cover companies offer accessible options for everyone.

For example, the RAC offers text facilities for the hard of hearing. Use the telephone prefix 18001 to access Typetalk or you can text them on 07855 828282, a handy number to have stored in your phone for emergencies.

Alternatively, the AA provides a number to inform them of specific help requirements in the event of a breakdown or they can use the Relay app. So, there is no need not to drive for the fear of breaking down and getting the assistance you need, the breakdown companies have got your needs covered.

Will my car insurance be more expensive after a hearing loss diagnosis?

Will a hearing loss diagnosis affect my car insurance?  What your insurance covers will depend on your independent policy and each company is different. As there is no need to declare hearing loss to the DVLA for domestic driving, it is not considered detrimental to your driving.

However, if you do need to declare your hearing loss to your insurance company if it is included in their application for example, it is important to note it is illegal to charge drivers more for insurance under the Equalities Act and your cost should not be impacted.

Driving with Hearing Loss

Precautions and adaptations for safe driving

Tips on ensuring yours and everyone else's safety on the road

Hearing loss can affect your ability to drive safely, so it's important to take the necessary precautions to reduce any potential risks on the road.  Here are some tips for driving with hearing loss:

• Use hearing aids or cochlear implants: If you have hearing loss, hearing aids or cochlear implants support and help you hear important sounds while driving, such as sirens, horns and warning signals. Make sure your hearing aids or cochlear implants are working properly and have plenty of power before you drive.
• Keep your car quiet: Turn off the radio, lower the air conditioning or heating fan and close the windows to reduce the background noise in your car. This will help you hear important sounds outside your car.
• Check your mirrors often: Use your side and rear-view mirrors frequently to be aware of your surroundings. This is especially important when changing lanes, merging or turning.
• Be extra cautious at intersections: Look both ways several times before proceeding through an intersection. Listen for any sounds that may signal oncoming traffic or pedestrians.
• Use visual cues: Pay attention to visual cues, such as brake lights, turn signals and pedestrians crossing the street.
• Inform your passengers: Let your passengers know about your hearing loss, ask them to be patient and extra alert for any sounds you may have missed.
• Consider taking a driving course: Consider taking a driving course specifically designed for drivers with hearing loss. This can help you learn additional strategies for safe driving.
• Keep an eye on your speed:  Hearing loss can affect a driver's ability to react to emergency situations or hear warning signals. Drivers with hearing loss should take extra precautions when driving, such as increasing their following distance and reducing their speed to allow for more reaction time.
• Look into assistive technology:  Some more modern cars come equipped with backup cameras and sensors that provide visual and auditory signals when an obstacle is detected. GPS systems also provide visual and auditory directions to help drivers navigate the roads.

In conclusion

Driving with hearing loss can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Drivers with hearing loss should take the necessary precautions to reduce any potential risks on the road.

By using hearing aids or cochlear implants, keeping their car quiet, being extra cautious at intersections, using visual cues, informing their passengers or taking driving courses - they can safely navigate the roads and enjoy the freedom and independence that comes with driving.

►Click here to go to the top of the page