MAJ Marjorie Grantham
Each year, 5000 ROTC Cadets go through camp entrance physical exam at Ft. Lewis. All of them receive hearing conservation education and are fit with earplugs. Most arrive with audiograms in their medical record. All records are reviewed to determine whether they meet accession standards. Those whose hearing exceeds AR 40-501 standard or show ENT concerns receive full diagnostic audiometric evaluation. Out of 63 cadets tested in 2003, 38 clearly met the accession standard. Out of the 25 who did not, only one did not receive a waiver for accession. Clearly, the current standard continues to lack universal enforcement. The waiver decision process needs more active audiologist input. Recommendations for a waiver decision-making process will be discussed.