Army hearing tests assess a service member’s auditory health, which is important for maintaining combat readiness and ensuring safe performance of duties. Understanding these test results empowers individuals to take informed action regarding their hearing and military career.
Decoding the Audiogram
An audiogram is a graph representing hearing test results, plotting sensitivity across sound intensity and frequencies. The horizontal axis (X-axis) shows frequency in Hertz (Hz), from low to high pitches (125 Hz to 8000 Hz). The vertical axis (Y-axis) measures intensity in decibels (dB), with quieter sounds at the top and louder sounds towards the bottom.
Symbols mark the quietest sound heard at each frequency, known as the hearing threshold. A red circle indicates air conduction for the right ear, a blue ‘X’ for the left. Bone conduction results, assessing the inner ear, use symbols like ‘<' for the right ear and '>‘ for the left. Normal hearing is 0 to 25 dB across all tested frequencies, appearing near the top.
Understanding Hearing Profiles
Army hearing test results translate into specific hearing profiles, part of the Physical Profile Serial System (PULHES). The “H” in PULHES signifies hearing and ear defects, with designations 1 to 4 reflecting functional capacity. A “1” indicates normal functioning; higher numbers denote impairment. Profiles are based on decibel thresholds.
The H1 profile signifies a high level of medical fitness for hearing. For H1, the audiometer average level for each ear is no more than 25 dB at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz, with no individual level greater than 30 dB, and not over 45 dB at 4000 Hz.
An H2 profile indicates moderate hearing loss, where the pure tone average in each ear is no more than 30 dB, with no individual level greater than 35 dB at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz, and not over 55 dB at 4000 Hz. Individuals with monaural deafness may qualify for H2 status if their functional ear meets specific requirements.
An H3 profile is assigned when hearing thresholds do not meet H2 standards, or if there is acute or chronic ear disease, and the speech reception threshold in the best ear is not greater than 30 dB HL, even with hearing aids. The H4 profile represents a functional level below H3 standards, indicating hearing loss that impedes safe and effective job performance, with or without hearing aids.
Career Implications of Results
Hearing profiles significantly affect a service member’s military career, influencing job assignments, deployability, and continuation of service. An H1 profile is required for most military occupations, indicating full qualification. An H2 profile, representing mild hearing loss, may allow some roles, but occupations like Air Traffic Control or Special Forces have stricter standards.
Service members with H3 or H4 profiles often face disqualifying conditions for many roles. A profile coded as 3 or 4 means a Soldier cannot deploy, while a 1 or 2 indicates deployability. Hearing loss is a common health concern among military personnel, with combat deployment associated with an increased risk of new-onset hearing loss.
If a service member’s hearing does not meet standards, a medical waiver may be possible. Waivers are requests for an exception based on the individual’s condition and qualifications, though approval is not guaranteed and varies by branch. The process involves a comprehensive hearing evaluation, documented audiogram results, and supporting statements.
Post-Test Procedures
After an Army hearing test, service members receive official results. The initial test is recorded on Department of Defense (DD) Form 2215, establishing a baseline audiogram. Subsequent tests on DD Form 2216 are compared against this baseline to identify changes.
Annual hearing tests are required for all Soldiers, along with pre- and post-deployment audiograms. If a “Significant Threshold Shift” (STS) is detected (a change of 10 dB or more at specific frequencies), a follow-up test is required within 90 days. Failure to complete this follow-up can result in a “not-ready” status in the Medical Protection System (MEDPROS).
When hearing issues are identified, service members may be referred to an audiologist or Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist for evaluation. These appointments determine the degree and cause of any hearing loss and measure the Soldier’s hearing ability against performance standards. Hearing protection is emphasized, especially for those exposed to hazardous noise, to prevent further deterioration.