§ 60. Miss Vickersasked the Secretary of State for Defence what standard of hearing is required for men in the Royal Marines; and, in view of the fact that a number of men have been invalided for deafness following the use of weapons, what action is being taken to avoid this in the future.
§ Mr. HayThe standard of hearing required on entry is that described in the Joint Service System of Medical Classification as first degree or H.1, which means that a man must be able to hear sufficiently well to serve in any capacity. On remustering or re-engagement second degree or H.2 hearing is accepted for men able to hear sufficiently well to serve in any other than a specialised capacity where good hearing is essential.
Ear defenders are supplied as part of the kit of all Royal Marines on joining, and there are instructions about their use when, for example, men are engaged in weapon training on ranges.