Is it possible to get a waiver for hearing loss to join the USMC? Any ideas or suggestions?

Heath Harper — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 13:40:42 -0400

My son was recently denied a hearing waiver for a moderate hearing loss. Prior to his MEPS visit I took him to an ear doctor and they performed several exams on him and his right ear has the loss. The specialist said there should be no reason he could not serve at any capacity and even wrote a letter of recommendation. In speaking with recruiter they did not even send the test results and letter down to MEPS. You would never know he has a hearing loss but he cannot pick up the high frequency on the hearing tests. He is a 3.4 goa student and physical specimen but we cannot get him in. Any ideas or suggestions. Thanks!

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Mar 9 at 2020 1:59 PM

SGT Robert Pryor — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 13:59:31 -0400

I would not want someone with unequal hearing to be in combat because they can't accurately detect the location of a sound source. That could be quite costly, make that deadly, in a combat situation. Your son should reassess his goals.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 9 at 2020 5:53 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 17:53:18 -0400

Ma'am it is not our nor your opinion that counts, but what MEPS says. He would be starting in already handicapped if they agreed. Can you fathom the sheer number of folks that suffer hearing loss after serving? It could totally wipe out his ear. And I agree with Bob Pryor- it is hard enough in combat with the noise, not being able to hear over it will get him or someone else killed!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 9 at 2020 8:34 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 20:34:10 -0400

The medical DQ process is the sole province of MEPS. They are interpreting AR40-501 and DODI 6031.03 while this is an obstacle to your son, if they tried a waiver, there is no remaining gray area. It's a DQ.

You can try another recruiter, but it's likely the same MEPS. The records are automated so they will be where ever he goes. Not sure a personally procured audiology report really answers what needs answering with a waiver process.

If they'll test him again, try wearing earplugs 24 hrs leading up to the test. Otherwise it is what it is.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2020 9:12 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 21:12:45 -0400

While I feel for your son, the question you asked has been answered. As one whose hearing diminished over the course of my career due to exposure to high-frequency noise, even a little bit of hearing loss can impact the ability to effectively pass along instructions and warnings. Not saying your son wouldn't get a waiver, but if MEPS was interested in getting him a waiver, they would, at their expense, send him to an audiologist for a hearing test. And even if they have a shortage of fully qualified applicants, they are under no obligation to do so.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 10 at 2020 6:45 AM

Maj John Bell — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 06:45:58 -0400

The Dept of Defense does not establish disqualifying standards for health conditions for arbitrary or capricious reasons. People with high-frequency hearing loss have greater difficulty in distinguishing vowel sounds, and the sounds of the letters s, h, and f. This can make it more difficult for them to understand speech, particularly if they are in an environment with a great deal of background noise or high volume low-frequency sounds like in a fire fight.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2020 8:14 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 08:14:06 -0400

MEPS has the final say. If he was not P4ed by MEPS (permanently disqualified PULHES) a waiver may be considered, or another service might consider one. Depends on level of loss and needs of the service(s). I got in with only 2 brain cells, but they were fighting for dominance and I went open contract. If you are not satisfied with the Recruiter, talk with him and get the straight scoop. Normally all supporting documents such as Dr. letters, or tests are sent to the MEPS Doc to do a "paper case" waiver. They might also schedule a consult for a contracted specialist too. If that was not done then find out why. It's out of any Service's hands if MEPS has rejected. Going outside the chain won't change the regulations. Unfortunately, tinnitus is the number 1 disability for Vets, so I'm guessing hearing is skylined now throughout DOD. It's all about the $$$. Bottom line here is who refused him - MEPS or the USMC. One's a dead end, the other maybe not. I hope it works out, and don't give up until you get a flat no.