Hearing Waiver

[OiledPancakes]

I am applying to USMA, USAFA, and USNA. I did not think I would have any problems in the medical part of my application, but after hearing back, I apparently have high frequency hearing loss in my left ear. My right ear passed perfectly, and speech recognition scored 100% in both ears. My left ear was perfect until 4k hz it started to drop off. I barely missed the 4k cutoff (meaning I only failed one frequency) and I had congested ears so I think if I retested I would pass. In DoDMERB, it says for USAFA "Does not meet medical standards," and it says "Under waiver review" for USMA and USNA. The ENT told me that he does not see it ever being a problem and that it is a very minor issue. He told me he would write me a good letter saying that it is a no factor, but I know the waiver process is more complicated than that. Should I have DoDMERB speak with him? I am passionate about serving my country and I would hate for one tiny thing like this to ruin everything, especially since it has never affected me in my life (I did not even know I had it till now).

Also, does "under waiver review" mean that West Point and Annapolis have already requested a waiver from DoDMERB, or should I contact them.

Does USAFA give waivers for hearing? I think if I retake the test, I will pass without a waiver, but just in case, I want to start planning.

I have contacted my DoDMERB case manager, my ALO, FFR, USAFA admissions team, and the man they call Mullen. I am exhausting all resources in figuring out this situation. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Capt MJ]

Mr. Mullen, the former deputy Director Director DoDMERB, has retired.

First, if you haven’t done this, go to the DoDMERB home page and read every item and link in the left-side menu, including Contacts. This will help you understand the process.

DoDMERB uses a military medical accession standard to find a candidate meets or does not meet the standard (Q/DQ). They make that decision and related info available to any commissioning program they serve who requests the info. The waiver authorities for the individual commissioning programs make waiver decisions if Admissions asks them to. DoDMERB is not involved in the waiver decision but does serve as an info clearinghouse.

Under Waiver Review - I’ve posted a screenshot of a Mr. Mullen post below.

You have to work through the process.

 

[OiledPancakes]

Okay, thank you!

 

[OiledPancakes]

I received this letter for USMA, USAFA, and USNA. Should I re-test and have my ENT write a letter for waiver review (He offered to do so), or should I wait for further word? NOTE: I removed a lot of information from the doc for identification reasons.