NOMI issue

[invertedflyer]

I had my flight physical for SNA down at Miramar a few months ago. Everything went well although I had to take a couple trips down there. My results have been sent to NOMI and I had a couple concerns with it. Mainly it was my hearing, which had decreased by about -10 -15 in both ears. I've been told that this isn't that bad, and the flight doc signed me off, but I want to make sure I cover all of my bases. Is this something that is disqualifying? My hearing is fine, just worse than before. If it is d'qing, is it waiverable?

 

[tiger84]

They told me at MEPS that it didn't start becoming an issue until you hit like -35 or -40. I have no idea if she knew what she was talking about though. Did your hearing get worse over a short span or was it over a long time period? You might want to look into having our ears flushed as that might make a big difference too.

 

[Slammer2]

They probably wouldnt have cleared you to begin/continue on with training on the disposition they give you if it was a problem. If it didnt get any worse you're probably fine.

 

[Brett327]

I had my flight physical for SNA down at Miramar a few months ago. Everything went well although I had to take a couple trips down there. My results have been sent to NOMI and I had a couple concerns with it. Mainly it was my hearing, which had decreased by about -10 -15 in both ears. I've been told that this isn't that bad, and the flight doc signed me off, but I want to make sure I cover all of my bases. Is this something that is disqualifying? My hearing is fine, just worse than before. If it is d'qing, is it waiverable?

Your hearing test results are all based upon a baseline test you received when you first entered the military, so the numbers you're quoting are in reference to that and not some absolute standard. Obviously, there is a point at which you could theoretically be NPQ, but -15 is a completely normal deviation. Put it out of your mind.

Brett

 

[invertedflyer]

They told me at MEPS that it didn't start becoming an issue until you hit like -35 or -40. I have no idea if she knew what she was talking about though. Did your hearing get worse over a short span or was it over a long time period? You might want to look into having our ears flushed as that might make a big difference too.

This was over a 3-4 year period.

Thanks for putting my mind at ease gents. (breathes a sigh of relief).

 

[feddoc]

Another thing to think about, assuming you get re-tested, is to avoid *as much as possible* all noise above the threshold of normal conversation for about 12 hours before the next test. 'Specially if you like to do some booming on the way to work via your car stereo.

 

[bunk22]

You will be okay but will not be allowed to fly jets

 

[invertedflyer]

don't scare me like that bunk...

thanks for the info feddoc... I'll definitely put that advice to use next time.

 

[bunk22]

don't scare me like that bunk...

thanks for the info feddoc... I'll definitely put that advice to use next time.

Just glad you were paying attention. Just so you know, my hearing has sucked since the day I came in. Obviously I'm not a doc but I think the further away you go from the baseline (0), perhaps the worse your hearing is. I was +25to 30 at the 6000Hz range when I came in. I'm now in the 40 range Of course I didn't fly jets (except for T-2C's in training) but thats not because of my hearing .

 

[Gatordev]

Another thing to think about, assuming you get re-tested, is to avoid *as much as possible* all noise above the threshold of normal conversation for about 12 hours before the next test. 'Specially if you like to do some booming on the way to work via your car stereo.

I had an issue like this when I was in Primary. I did exactly as feddoc recommended and wore earplugs all night (kind of a pain if you sleep on your side). I came right back to normal the next day during the retest. Worked like a charm.

 

[squeeze]

Your hearing test results are all based upon a baseline test you received when you first entered the military, so the numbers you're quoting are in reference to that and not some absolute standard. Obviously, there is a point at which you could theoretically be NPQ, but -15 is a completely normal deviation. Put it out of your mind.

Brett

Lucky for me, my baseline was taken the day after the squad live fire exercise at TBS. An entire day of firing a SAW sans earplugs did wonders for my baseline. I guess it all worked out, since the Harrier has already driven me below that stellar baseline. Makes me wonder how much my hearing has really degraded since then.

 

[invertedflyer]

Good stories... thanks again for the advice, earplugs = good idea. I do confess to listening to some "heavy variety" music on the way to the clinic... didn't even think about having that audiogram. I'll try to avoid completely destroying my ears in the mean time... 300 rounds instead of 400, alternative not metal, no counterstrike above 50 decibels.... ya know. gotta cut back.