What are my chances of passing the hearing test at MEPS given that I have minor tinnitus?

John Dickerson — Tue, 07 May 2019 16:45:33 -0400

I’m joining the army as soon as my job is over here where I’m at . I was worried about the hearing test because I was avid shooter and wore hearing protection maybe 50% of time and I have minor tinnitus. I’m just worried I won’t pass the test and wanted to hear from you guys what y’alls experience going through it with some hearing loss and tinnitus . Another question how common is a waiver if I borderline like 32 when I’m supposed to be 30 ?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2019 4:49 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 May 2019 16:49:04 -0400

John Dickerson I don't believe you will have any problem unless your tinnitus is way out of bounds... Take the test and see what you are rated at! good luck!

Response by SPC Joshua Bender made May 7 at 2019 5:25 PM

SPC Joshua Bender — Tue, 07 May 2019 17:25:05 -0400

When I joined in 2004, I had very minor tinnitus, not like it is now and passed. Once it got worse, as I was exposed to more loud noise, etc during my service I was issued hearing aids after going though a med board and had no problems serving while using them, and even deployed with hearing aids. My advice to you is just take the hearing test and do your best. Don't mention the tinnitus issues unless they are actually a problem, the military won't put you out for hearing difficulties, just total hearing loss, etc.

Response by SPC Angela Burnham made May 7 at 2019 8:01 PM

SPC Angela Burnham — Tue, 07 May 2019 20:01:29 -0400

In MEPS they said my hearing was barely passable for what a 25C would need. Funny thing, last time I had it tested at the VA I failed the test 4 times in a row before they came into the chamber and told me I passed with flying colors and that nothing was wrong with me. To answer your question, there's a good chance you'll pass, the only way you'll know is if you try. Waivers are very hard to come by these days though.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2019 8:03 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 May 2019 20:03:19 -0400

As long as you can still hear the faint sounds over your tinnitus, then you should be fine.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2019 5:36 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 May 2019 17:36:09 -0400

I also have a bit due to construction work. Every time I get a PHA I always pass the hearing. Just concentrate and it wouldn’t hurt to buy an earwax removal get before your exam. As mentioned before, it’s probably not necessary to mention on your medical forms...2808 I think it is

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made May 8 at 2019 8:44 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Wed, 08 May 2019 20:44:43 -0400

I have tinnitus in both ears and I can still pass the MEPS hearing tests. Take the test. You might just surprise yourself.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2019 2:28 PM

Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 May 2019 14:28:42 -0400

I don’t have tinnitus but at MEPS people that We’re there when I went through had bigger issues so honestly I think ur fine. That’s just me but I could be wrong

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made May 10 at 2019 3:54 AM

CPL Gary Pifer — Fri, 10 May 2019 03:54:00 -0400

Let them diagnose you....

Response by B S made May 24 at 2019 11:07 PM

B S — Fri, 24 May 2019 23:07:53 -0400

I am in the precomission stage for DC. Just got word today that I was selected at this month’s board. My MEPS hearing was 3T on the PULHES score. That’s on a 1-4 scale. I failed the hearing test twice. 2 is min passing. I was issued a hearing waiver which took less than a week. I’m almost 41 so it’s possible. Needs of the army as they say...