can someone join the arm forces if he or she has a mild hearing loss?

Answer 1

The absolutely, correct answer is "it depends". A mild loss is objectively (not subjectively, as someone said above) defined as 25-39 dB in an adult. Military standards defined acceptable audiometric hearing levels (both ears) for enlistment as

(1) Pure tone at 500, 1000, and 2000 cycles per second of not more than 30 decibels (dB) on the average (each ear), with no individual level greater than 35dB at these frequencies.

(2) Pure tone level not more than 45 dB at 3000 cycles per second each ear, and 55 dB at 4000 cycles per second each ear.

So if your ST I(speech threshold, the average of the 3 speech frequencies) id 30, you are good. If it is higher than 30 or if any frequency is 35-39, you are still audiologically categorized as having a "mild" loss, but it appears it may disqualify you from the military.

Answer 2

Mild hearing loss could be a disqualification but to be sure, apply in the military so that you will know if the Military doctors will allow it depending upon the level of the hearing loss.

Answer 3

Well, minor is pretty subjective, but I would say if indeed minor, you should be able to join, although there may be some military specialties that are not open to you, for instance in the Navy, Sonarmen must have no hearing defect. Take the ASVAB and get a recruiter to do a packet and take the physical and see what they say.

Answer 4

It would depend on the extent of loss. And then you would be restricted into jobs that would not further exacerbate the loss, or put you or others at risk for not being able to hear certain levels.

Ask your recruiter. They know all the guidelines. Good luck!