Hearing Waivers?

[nicknoodles]

I completed my application and DODmerb around mid-December. However I failed the hearing exam - I've had minor hearing loss since I was about 5. It's not that big of an issue, as I have gotten great grades and excelled in school (ranked 6 of 331). My SATs were average- 1250 2 part 690 M, 560 CR. My CFA scores were also a little average. However I had a great BGO interview, my teacher recommendations were good, I have several extracurricular clubs and varsity letters, and I wrote a good and honest essay. I was wondering what the chances of recieving a hearing waiver and how long does it take to get one. It's been almost a month since the test, and the status hasn't changed. I have also not received any notification of being tested again. Thanks!

 

[MABlue]

Does your Dodmerb portal say Pending Waiver Review, or have you seen nothing on your USNA portal under the Medical Exam section. For example, I received a status of "Qualified" under agency of US Naval Academy on DoDMERB website 1 week ago, however nothing is updated on USNA portal yet. You may want to contact your regional counselor. He/She can probably give you are more definite answer as to whether you are in the running to receive a waiver.

 

[nicknoodles]

Does your Dodmerb portal say Pending Waiver Review, or have you seen nothing on your USNA portal under the Medical Exam section. For example, I received a status of "Qualified" under agency of US Naval Academy on DoDMERB website 1 week ago, however nothing is updated on USNA portal yet. You may want to contact your regional counselor. He/She can probably give you are more definite answer as to whether you are in the running to receive a waiver.

my dodmerb portal says "pending waiver review" and my USNA portal says "complete pending review" and "complete medical qualification exam"

 

[S_Austin]

Does your Dodmerb portal say Pending Waiver Review, or have you seen nothing on your USNA portal under the Medical Exam section. For example, I received a status of "Qualified" under agency of US Naval Academy on DoDMERB website 1 week ago, however nothing is updated on USNA portal yet. You may want to contact your regional counselor. He/She can probably give you are more definite answer as to whether you are in the running to receive a waiver.

my dodmerb portal says "pending waiver review" and my USNA portal says "complete pending review" and "complete medical qualification exam"

How did it go? Did you get a waiver? Are you at USNA? My DS is currently in the exact status.

 

[THParent]

That post was over two (2) years ago.

 

[jebdad]

Responding to S_Austin's question. Having some experience in this area, I can say that the waiver process is going to hinge primarily on two areas:

- First, how competitive is your DS? If the answer is at or near the top of the avgs of the recent incoming classes, a waiver could be initiated.
- The other factor is how far off of the hearing requirement are they?

Ears and Hearing Both ears must be free of tympanic membrane perforation and acute and chronic disease. The average of the hearing loss at 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz in either ear may not exceed 30 decibels (ISO), and the loss at any one of these three frequencies may not exceed 35 decibels. The maximum acceptable loss in either ear at 3000 Hz is 45 decibels and, at 4000 Hz, 55 decibels.

I found the above online. If they are close to the above readings, I would go to an audiologist of my choice and pay for a hearing exam. I would first have my DS's ears cleaned out. (Not kidding - every bit helps on those hearing exams). If you can get a good result, don't wait and forward it immediately to DODMERB. They will add to your file. It is not uncommon for the contracted DODMERB hearing tester to make a mistake. I'm guessing you don't know what your hearing results exactly were. Just that you failed it. If you already know for certain that your child cannot get close to the above readings, then you're going to have to sit back and wait to see if USNA wants your DS bad enough.

 

[S_Austin]

Thanks, Jebdad ... My DS failed the 1000 Hz in the left ear at 35db. We went to an ENT and a CT Scan was done that showed no physical defects. USMA (West Point) cited that his "file indicates a solid record of accomplishment" and requested a waiver on his behalf. The WA granted him the waiver and he is now deemed "Medically Qualified" for West Point. We are patiently waiting for USNA. USNA states that "no waiver will be considered until he has received an offer to attend the Naval Academy."

 

[Peppy1998]

Thank you S_Austin! My daughter just received a 'Request for Medical Waiver'. How long did the process take? She too has the slight hearing loss and the ENT did some extra tests to show that it would not interfere with her attending West Point.

 

[S_Austin]

Thank you S_Austin! My daughter just received a 'Request for Medical Waiver'. How long did the process take? She too has the slight hearing loss and the ENT did some extra tests to show that it would not interfere with her attending West Point.

West Point's request for waiver said that it could take up to 90 days. Luckily it took only about 4 weeks for my DS. His West Point liaison said that it was the fastest he ever seen a waiver granted in his long career as a liaison. My DS is still waiting for a waiver with USNA. Apparently, it is very hard to get a waiver for hearing with Navy so we keep praying.