RN trying to enter Air Force failed hearing test

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Hello all:

I am RN soon to complete my BSN, I have been conversing with a recruiter and have found out now that I will not be able to join the Air Force because I am hearing impaired in my left ear. I thought I could pass the hearing portion of the physical but my left ear failed and my right ear was excellent. I have NEVER had problems hearing at work, school, home, etc. I was told several times before a waiver would be no problem for me. I am distraught! I want to be in the Air Force more than anything! Not to mention I have tailored my life for this day, I have no kids, and I have been taking 18 credits/semester to finish my BSN sooner in order to get in. I currently hold a 4.0 at the school I am getting my BSN. How can I get a waiver? Is there anyway around this or is this the end of it?

Thanks!

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Don't give up hope. Waivers are always considered on a case by case basis. So it is not good advice to tell someone that they have a high chance for a waiver or vice versa. However waivers are often grandted for many different reasons. Someone getting a waiver is NOT uncommon. Just keep faith and apply for the waiver. Best of luck :)

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.
Don't give up hope. Waivers are always considered on a case by case basis. So it is not good advice to tell someone that they have a high chance for a waiver or vice versa. However waivers are often grandted for many different reasons. Someone getting a waiver is NOT uncommon. Just keep faith and apply for the waiver. Best of luck :)

I agree.

Involve your health care recruiter...Have him/her go "to bat" for you by requesting that you be seen by an ENT and have repeat audio done, then you yourself must be proactive and write up a positive statement paper saying exactly what you originally posted: that you didn't realize you had a hearing loss, that it never impacted your professional/private life etc.

Maybe AF has different standards, but that is what I did to become a Commissioned Officer in the Army Nurse Corps.

GOOD LUCK. keep us posted with your progress. Don't give up on your goal!

athena

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You should be able to get a waiver no problem. Like said earlier try to get a retest, if not you should qualify for a waiver. Waivers are based on the idea on how your condition could somehow affect your ability to do your job, both stateside and deployed. Most of the time there is guidance for MD's to follow on who is required to have what. I deal with waivers all day and I advise pt's that sometimes their condition might be harder to pass, but in the end its the decision of MD's, not me or recruiters.

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