Hearing information (H1, H2, H3, testing, waivers)

[RASH]

Recommend keeping quiet until you get closer to separation/retirement unless it bothers you...

[deaddebate]

Tinnitus is only disqualifying if it interferes with your ability to perform your duties.  Possible hearing loss against your baseline hearing capability is a different (but related) standard for hearing limits to perform flying duty.  Hearing loss flying waivers are a dime a dozen for aircrew (but they have additional examination hurdles/time wasters, from your perspective).

In short, if it's a problem, tell the doc.  If you're only worried about later benefits, wait until you're 12-18 months from separation/retirement.

[CopyShot]

I took my hearing test today for my annual PHA (haven't had the main PHA yet so I haven't had a chance to talk to my Flight Doc) and showed an H-2 profile in my right ear. Everything was fine except for a 50 in the 6000 Hz range. I'm retaking the test tomorrow, but aside from earplugs and clicking on anything I think might be any sort of sound, are there any recommendations for the test?

I've been reading the earlier comments in the thread, but know that the AFIs change over time and some of these are more than a decade old. If the loss is the same, what's the waiver process realistically look like for an experienced flyer needing an FCII? Along the same lines, if needed, what sort of timeline would be involved? I'm currently in a non-flying assignment and a must-move this summer. I'm trying to get back to a cockpit, so would a waiver for an FCII (if I wind us needing one) be a time issue for that?


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[Guardvipers]

Looking for some good info from some knowledgeable individuals.

My backstory is I am guard guy with prior enlisted time as a crewchief on Vipers, was lucky enough to get selected by my unit for a UPT slot. Attended Wright-Pat a year ago and passed all test with flying colors to receive my FC1 with one waiver for a minor eye condition. I went to OTS shortly after, but while at OTS all rated officers were given hearing exams to which I failed with H-3 results for my left ear at high frequency (4000 & 6000Hz). I was then sent to Doctor's office for an evaluation to which they found I had a severe sinus cold and an ear block (left ear) that the test proctor had failed to visually notice. The Dr told me not to worry, he put me on cold meds and told me we would retest later when I was healthy (which never happened at OTS). After graduation, I arrived at ENJJPT for an August 2017 start. Upon starting pilot training, the Flight Doc reviewed each students medical docs and conducted some brief tests before signing off on our FC1's. One of those tests happened to be a hearing exam to which I tested at H-3 once again. The Flight Doc proceeded to follow the waiver guide by having me retest twice on base, seek a civilian specialist (local ENT), and even got authorized a backseat ride in the T-6 with an IP to conduct an In-flight hearing exam, all of which I passed with no difficulty. The waiver was written for asymmetric H-2 hearing (left ear) because specialists test showed me at 50-55dB @4000Hz and 45dB @6000Hz. AETC/SG rejected the waiver surprising my Flight Doc and IP's. I got my guard unit and OG/CC involved to no immediate avail. I was terminated from training in November (start of phase 2) and have been fighting my case ever since. Every rated pilot and Flight Doc I have talked to has supported my case saying the ruling is obsurd and to fight it. They concur I am 1-click away from passing the hearing exam (being waiverable) for onbase testing (60dB to 55dB @4000Hz) and that I should be a no-brainer for an ETP. I have been building my ETP and testing on base at Sheppard regularly. I passed the onbase test once but was told I had to retest immediately that day per the AFI, to which I could not duplicate my results (btw 2 hearing exams in a row is torture).

I apologize for being long winded but I would like any and all input on hearing tests and hearing standards (in regards to the rated community).

[alphadeltaIII]

I am currently at OTS, and we just took our hearing test yesterday. Unfortunately, I did not pass the 6000hz level on my left ear. I have a bit of a cold right now and hopefully I can attribute the failure to that. I was sent to IDMT today and they gave me some sudafed to take for the next few days, and they are going to let me retest next week. A little background on myself, I am a non-prior guard pilot select, and I made it trough meps and my FC1 (Sept 2016). Anybody have any advise or tips? I'm stressing pretty bad over this. Thanks.

[Guardvipers]

3 hours ago, alphadeltaIII said:

I am currently at OTS, and we just took our hearing test yesterday. Unfortunately, I did not pass the 6000hz level on my left ear. I have a bit of a cold right now and hopefully I can attribute the failure to that. I was sent to IDMT today and they gave me some sudafed to take for the next few days, and they are going to let me retest next week. A little background on myself, I am a non-prior guard pilot select, and I made it trough meps and my FC1 (Sept 2016). Anybody have any advise or tips? I'm stressing pretty bad over this. Thanks.

Alphadeltalll

I was in the same position as you and hadn't failed a hearing test unit OTS, but I had worse results failing two frequencies in my left hear (4000hz & 6000hz) which put me in the H3 category. If your 6000hz doesn't improve you still fall into H2 hearing loss which is waiverable. I also was sick with a cold at OTS for most of the program, so do as the doctors say and medicate to get healthy. They will try to retest you before you graduate, but if you don't pass that hearing test you will take another one at your UPT base upon starting training. Otherwise when it comes to hearing test, wear a pair of foam ear plugs at least 14 hours before the test, keep noise low around you, and wear the ear plugs all the way into the hearing test booth (you may look odd but it is worth it). Its best to test early in the morning when your hearing is sharpest (wear the ear plugs while you sleep). Hearing test suck and I have done plenty, but it works best to close your eyes and concentrate on the sound. Hope this helps, good luck.

[alphadeltaIII]

1 hour ago, Guardvipers said:

Alphadeltalll

I was in the same position as you and hadn't failed a hearing test unit OTS, but I had worse results failing two frequencies in my left hear (4000hz & 6000hz) which put me in the H3 category. If your 6000hz doesn't improve you still fall into H2 hearing loss which is waiverable. I also was sick with a cold at OTS for most of the program, so do as the doctors say and medicate to get healthy. They will try to retest you before you graduate, but if you don't pass that hearing test you will take another one at your UPT base upon starting training. Otherwise when it comes to hearing test, wear a pair of foam ear plugs at least 14 hours before the test, keep noise low around you, and wear the ear plugs all the way into the hearing test booth (you may look odd but it is worth it). Its best to test early in the morning when your hearing is sharpest (wear the ear plugs while you sleep). Hearing test suck and I have done plenty, but it works best to close your eyes and concentrate on the sound. Hope this helps, good luck.

Thanks for the reply vipers. The lady that was running the test wouldn't really give me a straight answer as far as what would happen if I couldn't improve on that frequency, and it was leading me to think I may get DQ'd for it. They had some earplugs in there, so I'm definitely going to take your advice.

[Green68]

Hopefully someone can shed some light on a possible solution to my predicament. 

Im currently a crew chief at a guard fighter unit. Ive been enlisted for 5 years. However 3 years ago I was involved in a nearly fatal plane crash. I had numerous injuries but the one that concerns me most is major hearing loss to my right ear. When I crashed I had a skull fracture that caused sensoral hearing loss. I've since fully returned to my duties in the guard as well as resumed my flying as a commercial pilot. I'm almost certain that my hearing not is not waiverable for FC1. But I'm wondering if there is some possible way to get a waiver. I'm considering switching units to become a C-130 loadmaster, which would require a FC2. I should be able to get a waiver for FC2. My question is would having a FC2 and aircrew experience help me possibly get a waiver for FC1 down the road? I am open to any other suggestions as well.

[Avery0829]

I am searching for some advice on acquiring a hearing waiver. The information this far has been great, so thank you to all for that. I went to MEPS and was DQ'd for hearing in my left ear December of last year. I have never had hearing issues ever in the past. I A few weeks later I went to an audiologist for a full examination and was told my hearing loss is consistent from noise exposure from a paintball hitting my ear when I was 13.  Word recognition testing was "excellent".  The medical documents were sent to the AFR and was denied a waiver. I will be going to an ENT for further examination with the hopes of trying again. Other than an ENT, is there more I can do?

HZ  Left  Right

500   0...5

1000 0...0

2000 5...0

3000 5...0

4000 65...5

6000 70...0

 

[Avery0829]

Anybody?

[PilotPitts]

Anybody?

Not that it’s pertinent to MEPS, but the Wright Pat Waiver Guide for flight physicals will have hearing waiver info for reference

[Avery0829]

On 2/15/2018 at 11:48 AM, PilotPitts said:

Not that it’s pertinent to MEPS, but the Wright Pat Waiver Guide for flight physicals will have hearing waiver info for reference

I'll search for that. Thank you 

 

I found the latest waiver guide, I'll link it below. Due to my left ear being 10 dB above in the 4000Hz frequency for an H2.  I am at a H3 profile. It states "No" for waiver potential. Should I let this be the end all to Air Force career flying opportunities?  

I will still go to an ENT to give it another try. 

https://www.wpafb.af.mil/Portals/60/documents/711/usafsam/USAFSAM-Wavier-Guide-Jan 2018.pdf#page371

Edited February 17, 2018 by Avery0829

[Avery0829]

Anyone get by with H3 hearing?

[mrgrey]

Anyone have an example of a good evaluation from a civilian ENT for H2 waiver or bullet points on what letter should include ?

[Fly4five]

4 hours ago, mrgrey said:

Anyone have an example of a good evaluation from a civilian ENT for H2 waiver or bullet points on what letter should include ?

I got you, PM sent.

[Chicks406]

I am prior enlisted and have H2 hearing, the loss is at 6000hz up to around 65. I am attempting to apply to this January OTS board. 

When I enlisted I was told at MEPS about my hearing (I didn't notice any hearing loss in day to day activities). They advised me I did not qualify for any of my AFSCs I had listed, the recruiter at MEPS then advised I needed to pick 5 new AFSCs. I ended up being selected for 1N0.

When I was enlisted I went for a flight physical to cross train and went through a very thorough process. Including a MRI and ENT which from other posts seems to be the first step to a waiver. There were no anomalies besides the hearing loss in my left ear at 6000hz.

Do all rated positions require the same hearing, or is it more likely to receive a hearing waiver for one of them? RPA?

Also, since the officer application process is different what will happen when they show I have H2. I assume since the board selects whether you continue I will not be denied at MEPS like I was when I enlisted. 

Thanks for any and all help. 

Edited October 16, 2019 by Chicks406
update information

[Bananooo]

Hi, I have been looking through quite a few Air Force and Navy documents outlining medical requirements and the waiver process. And I want to ask about my hearing and the ability I will have to serve. First let me begin by outlining my current condition.

I was born with Microtia, which is a birth defect that deforms the outer ear. Through several surgeries early in life, I have gotten a reconstructed ear that operates similarly to a normal one. However the bigger issue I have come across with my ear is my hearing. I have never really noticed an issue with it and have always heard people well. The Audiograms I have taken have shown otherwise with my left ear basically perfect around 5 db on all frequencies, and my right ear reaching the 50-60db on many of them. Within these tests, I always got near perfect scores on the speech discrimination tests proving that I can hear at least somewhat well. The medical guides and documents I have read tell me that obviously my hearing is out of limits for commissioning as well as becoming a pilot. But in smaller text, they mention that in-flight hearing tests and speech discrimination levels can be used to waiver the audio gram levels. I also am working on my Private Pilots License and havent had issues hearing ATC, my instructor, aircraft sounds, etc. Every medical case is going to be different, but I am wondering if given my situation, the Air Force and Navy would take a chance on me and give me a pilots slot, or even commission me at all.