DD Form 2217 Biological Audiometer Calibration Check – DD Form 2217, titled Biological Audiometer Calibration Check, is the official U.S. Department of Defense form used to document daily biological (and electroacoustic monitor) checks of audiometers in hearing conservation programs. This form ensures audiometers remain accurate for testing service members and DoD civilian employees exposed to hazardous noise. The current edition is dated January 1, 2000 (previous editions may be used), and it remains the prescribed form under DoD Instruction 6055.12.
What Is DD Form 2217?
DD Form 2217 records the results of biological audiometer calibration checks performed on a single audiometer. It captures hearing threshold levels of a designated listener (or electroacoustic ear) at standard test frequencies and notes any signal distortions or noise transients. The form supports compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements under 29 CFR 1910.95 and the more stringent DoD Hearing Conservation Program standards.
The form is maintained as a legal record, typically retained for five years, and is frequently integrated with the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System – Hearing Conservation (DOEHRS-HC) software used at Military Treatment Facilities.
Purpose of DD Form 2217 in DoD Hearing Conservation
According to the form’s instructions and DoDI 6055.12 (reissued August 14, 2019, with Change 1 effective November 22, 2023), the purpose is to document biological/electroacoustic monitor checks of one audiometer. These daily checks verify that the instrument’s output has not drifted significantly between annual electroacoustic calibrations performed to ANSI/ASA S3.6 specifications.
DoDI 6055.12 explicitly requires that all DoD Components record calibration information on DD Form 2217 (or a comparable form) and that Military Services store the data in DOEHRS-HC. This protects the validity of reference audiograms (DD Form 2215) and periodic hearing conservation data (DD Form 2216).
When Must Biological Calibration Checks Be Performed?
Biological audiometer calibration checks using DD Form 2217 must be performed every day the audiometer is used for hearing tests. A new form is started when:
- A different listener (or artificial ear) is used, or
- The audiometer undergoes re-calibration (annual electroacoustic or after repair).
Checks are completed before any patient or employee testing begins that day. Many units also perform a functional operation check in conjunction with the biological check via DOEHRS-HC or audiometer software.
How to Complete DD Form 2217?
Print all entries in ink. The form contains these main sections:
- 1. Audiometer – Manufacturer, model, serial number, and last electroacoustic calibration date (YYYYMMDD format).
- 2. Listener – Name (Last, First, Middle Initial), facility, and location (include building/room and type of test environment if relevant).
- 3. Dates and Data Review – Date of each check (YYYYMMDD) and name of the examiner.
- 4. Hearing Threshold Levels of Test Frequencies – Recorded in dB Hearing Level relative to ANSI S3.6-1989 for left and right earphones at 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz. Includes a baseline row and multiple rows for periodic biological checks.
- 5. Remarks – Space for notes on distortions, transients, or other observations.
Full step-by-step instructions appear on the reverse of the form. Refer also to individual Military Service component guidance for additional local procedures.
Pass/Fail Criteria for Biological Calibration Checks
The form defines clear tolerance limits compared with the established baseline:
- Pass: Within ±5 dB of baseline at 500–4000 Hz and ±10 dB at 6000 Hz.
- Fail: Greater than ±5 dB of baseline at 500–4000 Hz or greater than ±10 dB at 6000 Hz.
If a check fails, the examiner should recheck connections, earphone placement, and condition, then retest. Persistent failure with a second listener requires the audiometer to be removed from service for electroacoustic recalibration or repair. Headphones and audiometers are calibrated as a matched set and must not be interchanged.
Importance for U.S. Military and DoD Civilian Personnel
Accurate audiometry is essential for detecting noise-induced hearing loss early, assigning appropriate hearing protection, and maintaining operational readiness. Daily use of DD Form 2217 provides an auditable trail that the testing equipment itself is reliable. Failure to perform and document these checks can invalidate an entire day’s audiograms and expose the program to inspection findings during Medical Inspector General, Joint Commission, or service-specific audits.
The form is used across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and DoD civilian workplaces enrolled in hearing conservation programs.
Download the Official DD Form 2217
Always obtain the current official version from the Washington Headquarters Services forms site to ensure authenticity:
For broader Hearing Conservation Program requirements, consult the current DoD Instruction 6055.12 available through official DoD directives channels.
Related Forms and Resources
- DD Form 2215 – Reference Audiogram
- DD Form 2216 – Hearing Conservation Data
- DoD Instruction 6055.12, Hearing Conservation Program (2019 with Change 1, 2023)
- ANSI/ASA S3.6 – Specification for Audiometers
- 29 CFR 1910.95 – Occupational Noise Exposure (OSHA)
Proper daily completion of DD Form 2217 is a straightforward yet critical control that protects both the hearing health of U.S. service members and DoD civilians and the integrity of the Department of Defense Hearing Conservation Program.