Can You Join The Army With Hearing Loss

When To Retire From The Military With Enlisted And Officer Service

Military Retirement With Enlisted And Officer Service. Sections 010501 and 030105 include the phrase of the highest grade held satisfactorily at any time in the Armed Forces. They have over 10 years of commissioned service, and they served satisfactorily in their senior grade for at least six months.

Will The Deaf Ever Be Able To Enlist

Throughout history, the Military has always been changing. For example, women couldnt enlist until 1948 when Truman signed the Womens Armed Services Integration Act. Over the past five years, more and more people have started to wonder if the deaf will ever be able to enlist. The Isreali Military allows the deaf to serve in non-combat roles. Contrary, here in the US, deaf people are not allowed in the Military. However, Keith Nolan is doing all he can to change this.

Can I Join With Asthma What About Poor Vision Or Hearing

In some cases, yes. Asthma is only disqualifying if it occurred after an applicants 13th birthday. Hearing, vision, and asthma qualifications are typically determined by medical exams and are not service-specific. If a doctor denies an applicant, that applicant can still request an asthma, vision or hearing loss waiver.

Recommended Reading: How To Turn On Hearing Aid Mode On Iphone

Auditory Training And Rehab

Whether you are prescribed hearing aids or cochlear implants or another device, auditory training or rehab can help the brain relearn how to process noise into sound. Sometimes these exercises can be completed entirely at home, while others are more intensive, similar to visiting a physical or occupational therapist. But even listening to audiobooks or using smartphone apps to sharpen hearing can be helpful and reduce symptoms like listening fatigue.

Hearing Athleticism And Service

Lopez had always been an athlete and a leader. According to an interview with People magazine, she never let her hearing loss get in the way of what she wanted to do as an athlete. In college, she played the position of setter on her volleyball teama position that required her to communicate often and clearly, something her hearing loss could have made more difficult.

But Lopez adjusted. Just as she adjusted when she joined the military and served in Afghanistan. Thats not to say there were no setbacks. Lopez had always planned to enlist in the armed services and then join the FBI, but she was turned down when she tried to enlist the first timeon account of her hearing.

You May Like: Sign Language Hungry

Miscellaneous Conditions Of The Extremities

The following conditions may disqualify you for military service:

a. Arthritis.

Active, subacute or chronic arthritis.

Chronic osteoarthritis or traumatic arthritis of isolated joints of more than a minimal degree, which has interfered with the following of a physically active vocation in civilian life or that prevents the satisfactory performance of military duty.

b. Chronic Retropatellar Knee Pain Syndrome with or without confirmatory arthroscopic evaluation.

c. Dislocation if unreduced, or recurrent dislocations of any major joint such as shoulder, hip, elbow or knee or instability of any major joint such as shoulder, elbow or hip.

d. Fractures.

Malunion or non-union of any fracture, except ulnar styloid process.

Orthopedic hardware, including plates, pins, rods, wires or screws used for fixation and left in place except that a pin, wire or screw not subject to easy trauma is not disqualifying.

e. Injury of a bone or joint of more than a minor nature, with or without fracture or dislocation, that occurred within the preceding six weeks: upper extremity, lower extremity, ribs and clavicle.

f. Joint replacement.

g. Muscular paralysis, contracture or atrophy, if progressive or of sufficient degree to interfere with military service and muscular dystrophies.

h. Osteochondritis dissecans.

i. Osteochondromatosis or multiple cartilaginous exostoses.

j. Osteoporosis.

k. Osteomyelitis, active or recurrent.

Can I Join The Army If I Am Older Than The Maximum Age For Enlistment

The maximum age to join the Army as an enlisted Soldier is 35, and you must enter active duty prior to your 36th birthday. For Officers, you must accept your commission by age 32. However, restrictions can be lifted based on the need for certain roles. Recruits can receive an age waiver, so long as they can retire with 20 years of military service by age 55. Talk to a recruiter to get a better understanding of the demand for certain roles.

Recommended Reading: How To Say Hungry In Sign Language

How Do I Apply For An Army Waiver

Applying for an Army waiver is as simple as requesting a form. However, it should be noted that the point of the waiver is for the applicant to prove they overcame a disqualifying issue that would otherwise prevent them from joining the Army. Once the waiver has been submitted, a comprehensive review will take place and it will be determined if the individual can join.

Active Duty Service Members And Family

TRICARE only covers hearing aids and hearing aid services if you have hearing loss that meets specific hearing criteriaAdults with: Hearing threshold of at least 40 dB HL in one or both ears when tested at 500, 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 3,000, or 4,000Hz or hearing threshold of at least 26 dB HL in one or both ears at any three or more of those frequencies or speech recognition score less than 94%. Children with: hearing threshold level of at least 26dB HL in one or both ears when tested at 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, or 4,000Hz.

Recommended Reading: How To Say What Are You Doing In Sign Language

Are There Physical Fitness Requirements To Join

Yes, there are physical fitness requirements to join the Army. The Armys Physical Fitness Test is used to assess the physical endurance of a recruit. APFT is a 3-part fitness event: 2 minutes of push-ups, 2 minutes of sit-ups, and a timed 2-mile run. Recruits must pass the APFT to graduate boot camp.

The APFT physical fitness requirements vary by age and gender. Reference the table below to find your minimum fitness requirements.

The Army will continue to use the APFT until further notice.

AGE

If you have any questions regarding the APFT or your physical fitness requirements, talk to your recruiter.

I Used To Take Drugs Can I Still Join

If you have a history of drug dependence, you will need to provide evidence that you have abstained from the use of these drugs for at least the last 3 years prior to joining the Army.A history of occasional use of recreational drugs won’t stop you from joining, but you must stop using any such drugs before you join.

After joining the Army, you must not use recreational drugs. The Army carries out random, compulsory drugs testing, and you can expect to be tested while you’re in training. If you fail any of the tests, you’re very likely be discharged.

You May Like: Dr Lano Ent New Braunfels

How An Afcs Payment May Affect Other Benefits

Your Lump sum payment will be considered as capital and may reduce the amount of means-tested benefit you are entitled to. But the Lump sum isnt counted as capital if you put it into a trust. If you are over the age of 60, the value of the lump sum wont count as capital if you claim Pension Credit.

If youre receiving a GIP, this may affect your entitlement to other state benefits.

Following In Her Footsteps

Does that mean anyone with Lopezs level of hearing loss could follow in her footsteps? Thats difficult to say, as Lopez met her setbacks with her own unique mix of grit, determination, and persistence.

But Lopez has certainly proven that such a course is possible. Its true, she might not be the first individual with a hearing disability to serve in the FBI .

Its likely that, with Lopez leading the way, more individuals will be able to see what shes accomplished and pursue a similar career path. The visibility of Lopezs success means that othersperhaps those who are feeling deflated or defeatedcan be encouraged to keep at it.

Read Also: What Is The Best Over The Counter Hearing Aid

Condition #6 Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety is an issue that affects every single human. However, some individuals have a harder time appropriately dealing with it than others. In certain cases, they may even get diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

The military realizes that some anxiety is normal. However, since anxiety is considered a mental health issue it will check your medical background for any perceived risks.

The biggest mental health factor the military assesses is a history of suicidal behavior. Though that is more connected to depression than anxiety, it will also consider previous or current issues.

Some disqualifying conditions include:

• Simple phobias
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Likewise, specific phobias such as a fear of specific animals like spiders, snakes, or dogs , fear of specific environments like heights or thunderstorms , and situational fears like bridges or driving can all be grounds for military disqualification.

Of course, this all depends on the extent of your phobia, and whether or not youve been treated for it in the recent past.

Can I Join The Army With Tattoos Are There Restrictions

Yes, you can join with tattoos, as long as they are not visible above your collar or below your cuff. The Army does not typically accept individuals with tattoos on their hands, wrists, face, or neck. Tattoos anywhere above the neckline or on the head, including in the mouth, ears, or eyelids, disqualifies a candidate. A tattoo waiver is available for candidates who have disqualifying tattoos. However, tattoos that are extremist, racist, sexist, or indecent are prohibited anywhere on a Soldiers body, without exception.

Also Check: How To Pair Phonak Compilot With Tv Link

Frequently Asked Questions We Receive

Below are a few of the most popular questions we receive regarding potential military disqualifiers:

What sorts of medical conditions could disqualify you from joining the military?

There is a very long list of medical conditions that can affect potential future military service. It completely depends on several factors, including which branch you want to join, what medical condition you have, and more.

Can you join the military with a felony?

Like everything else in the military, it depends on a wide array of factors. They include the type of felony, when it was committed, which branch you want to join, and much more.

What can disqualify you from MEPS?

As mentioned previously, there are dozens of conditions that can disqualify you at MEPS. They include dental issues, eye / ear issues, hearing problems, and heart problems.

Are waivers available?

Certain medical conditions do allow you to receive a waiver under the right conditions. Those include waivers for eyesight, height / weight, and previous surgerys.

Are There Height And Weight Restrictions What If I Am Too Short Or Heavy To Join

Yes, there are height and weight restrictions to join the Army, but they vary by age and gender. Reference the table below to find your minimum height and weight requirements.

Height In Inches

For the most up-to-date information on these restrictions, talk to a recruiter or calculate your BMI requirements. If you do not meet the specific requirements, you can talk to a recruiter about next steps and possibly submit a height or weight waiver.

You May Like: Which Composer Experienced Hearing Loss During His Lifetime

Navy Disqualifying Medical Conditions

Here are some of the medical conditions that require a waiver to continue and serve in the U.S. Navy.

Some of these conditions make it harder to receive a medical waiver.

Notwithstanding its still possible to receive clearance:

• AIDS/HIV

• PTSD
• Schizophrenia

NOTE: The U.S. Navy recently adapted its medical waiver process. You can learn more details about the revised policy, including the opportunity to request a second medical waiver review, here!

M Combat Arms Earplug Lawsuit Attorneys

Thousands of veterans and current military service members may be entitled to receive financial compensation in the 3M earplug lawsuit for hearing loss and tinnitus caused by defective earplugs.

The Combat Arms earplugs were manufactured and sold by 3M to all four branches of the U.S. military. The 3Ms dual-ended Combat Arms earplugs may have caused hundreds of thousands of our soldiers to suffer hearing damage and tinnitus.

Recommended Reading: Pairing Compilot

Can You Join The Military If Youre Deaf In One Or Both Ears

The answer is probably not though a few circumstances may get made.

The Department of Defense tests you in both ears so if you are able to score high enough in the good ear you may have a satisfactory score.

However, the military may require you to receive a waiver for the condition.

In general, the military does not enlist people with deafness that require assistance with the issue like hearing aids or sign language.

If you do receive a waiver, the number of Military Occupational Specialties you qualify for will be limited.

Rare Exception To Fbi Requirement Inspires Those With Hearing Loss

Are you ready for anything? If you want to join up with the FBI, you need to be. Thats why the physical requirements to join the FBI academy are quite rigorous. And also pretty strict. An asthma attack while youre chasing down bad guys can put a damper on your day .

Thats why one of the rare exceptions to those FBI entrance standards is so inspiring. Nicole Lopez is a special agent in the FBI and shes been deaf in one ear since she was a kid. Resourceful and intelligent, Lopez has proven that hearing loss doesnt have to slow you down.

Recommended Reading: Hungry In Sign Language

Personality Conduct And Behavior Disorders

The following conditions may disqualify you for military service:

a. Personality, conduct or behavior disorders as evidenced by frequent encounters with law enforcement agencies, antisocial attitudes or behavior, which, while not sufficient cause for administrative rejection, are tangible evidence of impaired capacity to adapt to military service.

b. Personality, conduct or behavior disorders where it is evident by history, interview or psychological testing that the degree of immaturity, instability, personality inadequacy, impulsiveness or dependency will seriously interfere with adjustment in the Army as demonstrated by repeated inability to maintain reasonable adjustment in school, with employers and fellow workers, and with other social groups.

c. Other behavior disorders including but not limited to conditions such as authenticated evidence of functional enuresis or encopresis, sleepwalking or eating disorders that are habitual or persistent occurring beyond age 12, or stammering of such a degree that the individual is normally unable to express themselves clearly or to repeat commands.

d. Specific academic skills defects, chronic history of academic skills or perceptual defects, secondary to organic or functional mental disorders that interfere with work or school after age 12. Current use of medication to improve or maintain academic skills.

e. Suicide, history of attempted or suicidal behavior.

Can You Join The Military If You Are Suicidal

The military considers any suicide attempts in the past as disqualifying for military service. Additionally, any history of suicidal behavior that includes gestures or discussions about the thought is disqualifying. The military also previously disqualified those that had a history with self-mutilation.

Don’t Miss: How To Pair Compilot With Hearing Aids

Spine And Sacroiliac Joints

The following conditions may disqualify you for military service:

a. Arthritis.

b. Complaint of a disease or injury of the spine or sacroiliac joints with or without objective signs that has prevented the individual from successfully following a physically active vocation in civilian life or that is associated with pain referred to the lower extremities, muscular spasm, postural deformities or limitation of motion.

c. Deviation or curvature of spine from normal alignment, structure or function if —

It prevents the individual from following a physically active vocation in civilian life.

It interferes with wearing a uniform or military equipment.

It is symptomatic and associated with positive physical finding and demonstrable by X-ray.

There is lumbar scoliosis greater than 20 degrees, thoracic scoliosis greater than 30 degrees, and kyphosis or lordosis greater than 55 degrees when measured by the Cobb method.

d. Fusion, congenital, involving more than two vertebrae. Any surgical fusion is disqualifying.

e. Healed fractures or dislocations of the vertebrae. A compression fracture, involving less than 25% of a single vertebra is not disqualifying if the injury occurred more than one year before examination and the applicant is asymptomatic. A history of fractures of the transverse or spinous processes is not disqualifying if the applicant is asymptomatic.

f. Juvenile epiphysitis with any degree of residual change indicated by X-ray or kyphosis.

Are There Different Hearing Tests For Specific Military Jobs

Yes, there are certain Military Occupational Specialties that require you to have better hearing than the basic guidelines of the Armed Forces.

Consequently, it is possible to qualify for certain MOS and disqualify for others based on your hearing test score.

Each military branch treats hearing and other physical impairments a little differently.

You may receive a waiver but there is no guarantee.

Highly selective and competitive military specialities like pilots, airborne, and special ops might make it a little more difficult to get in though its not as big of an issue compared to your vision.

Pilots, for example, need outstanding vision with no color blindness.

Read Also: What Is Poop In Sign Language

Sample Medical Conditions That Might Stop Or Delay Me Joining

Gastrointestinal problems:

• Chronic abdominal diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Significant history of dyspepsia.

• History of kidney problems such as malfunction of a kidney or kidney stones.
• Recurrent renal colic.

• Structural abnormalities of the spine and spinal cord.
• History of chronic or recurrent back pain.

Blood diseases:

• Disorders resulting in abnormal coagulation.

Bone or joint problems:

• Knee injuries and chronic knee pain.
• History of bone fractures.
• Shoulder problems resulting in functional limitations or restrictions of movement.
• Loss of a limb.
• Chronic joint diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
• Hypermobility syndrome.

• Symptomatic or medication-suppressed abnormal heart rhythms.
• Cardiomyopathy.

• Asthma .
• Chronic lung disease such as emphysema, bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis.
• Tuberculosis.

• Current perforation of ear drum.
• Chronic ear diseases like cholesteatoma.
• Presence of eardrum ‘grommets’.

• Chronic eye conditions such as glaucoma, keratoconus and retinitis pigmentosa.
• Damage to the eyelids affecting vision.
• Chronic conjunctivitis.
• Reduction of corrected vision in one eye below army entry standards.
• Diplopia.

• History of head injury with neurological sequalae.
• Migraines.

• History of deliberate self-harm or suicide attempts.

Skin problems:

• An active skin disease like severe eczema or widespread psoriasis.

Other conditions: