Expert: John L - 12/13/2011

Question
Hello, i went to MEPS and got my medical examination and ASVAB done but i, according to the test, have hearing deficiency. I know the max dBs is 30 but i guess i didnt do so well on one of my low frequency. My recruiter, as soon as i got back home, sent out a request for a waiver for my hearing. I would like to ask how long the process takes as of today and what are my chances of getting one. I reviewed my medical report that the MEPS doctor wrote, and he doesnt recommend that i should get a waiver and that hearing could be a problem. I would really want to serve and join the military, especially in the ROTC program. Do you know if the NG are easier on the hearing deficiency people than other branches? Would a veteran recruiter have a better chance of getting a waiver?

Answer
Medical waivers can take a short while or a long time depending on the branch of service.  In the Guard, they take 2-4 weeks average.

hearing can be an issue and might not be waived, depending on the severity and job you seek.  Even if you do get in the enlisted, ROTC will not be able to commission you at all, the standards are very strict there.

It is hard to say if one branch is easier than another, so I cannot give a firm answer on that one.  It does not matter who the recruiter is, we have zero input on getting anything medical waived.

Good luck.