Hearing loss exceeding medical accession standards
Hearing loss exceeding medical accession standards
What This Code Means
Receiving DQ code D122.30 means the DoDMERB physician reviewer determined that your medical history or exam findings related to hearing loss exceeding medical accession standards do not currently meet Department of Defense accession standards as defined in DoDI 6130.03.
This does not end your candidacy. Many conditions flagged under this code are waiverable. The next step is understanding the exact standard that applies to your situation and whether a waiver request is appropriate for your commissioning source.
Official Regulation Text
From DoDI 6130.03-V1, “Medical Standards for Military Service,” Change 6 (February 3, 2026)
“Current hearing threshold level in either ear that exceeds: (1) Twenty-five decibels (dB) averaged at 500, 1000, and 2000 cycles per second; (2) Thirty dB at 500, 1000, or 2000 cycles per second; (3) Thirty-five dB at 3000 cycles per second; (4) Forty-five dB at 4000 cycles per second; or (5) No standard for 6000 cycles per second.”
“Unexplained asymmetric hearing loss as defined by a difference of 30 or more dB between the left and right ears at any one or more frequencies between 500 hertz, 1000 hertz, or 2000 hertz.”
“Audiometric hearing levels are measured by audiometers calibrated to the standards in American National Standards Institute S3.6-2010 and will be used to test the hearing of all applicants.”
“Current defect that would require either recurrent evaluation or treatment or that may reasonably be expected to prevent or interfere with the proper wearing or use of military equipment (including hearing protection) including atresia of the external ear or severe microtia, congenital or acquired stenosis, chronic otitis externa, or severe external ear deformity.”
“History of any surgically implanted hearing device.”
Waiver Outlook for Hearing & ENT Conditions
Key Factors for Waiver Approval
- Passing functional hearing tests and ability to hear spoken commands
- No history of recurrent ear infections or significant conductive hearing loss
- Comprehensive audiometric testing showing stability over time
- ENT specialist letter confirming hearing loss does not impede operational duties
If your initial hearing test results seem inaccurate, you can undergo retesting at a certified audiology center at your own expense. Updated results with a specialist letter have led to reversals of disqualification.
This condition is covered in depth in The Ultimate DoDMERB Handbook by LTC Kirkland & Capt Dach — including real success scenarios, remedial exam strategies, and the complete waiver playbook. Get the handbook →
Read Our Full Guide on Hearing & ENT Conditions
Learn how DoDMERB evaluates hearing & ent conditions, common waiver scenarios, documentation tips, and what to expect throughout the process.
Read the hearing & ent guide