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How Hearing Loss Affects Veterans
The brave men and women who served our country are at a higher risk for developing hearing loss and tinnitus than the civilian population.
Those conditions affect how our veterans interact with the world around them and negatively impact their ability to communicate and socialize.
Tinnitus After Military Service
Tinnitus is the most common service-related disability. It’s characterized by a ringing, buzzing or whooshing sound in the ears. It can be caused by exposure to loud noises, head and neck injuries, and high blood pressure, among other things.
If you’re a veteran with tinnitus, you may have developed it from either a single, loud event, like an explosive blast, or extended exposure to gunfire and loud machinery. The persistent ringing can be an intrusive nuisance and affect your ability to concentrate, relax and sleep. Tinnitus is also a symptom of hearing loss and an accurate indicator of its progression.
Veterans and Hearing Loss
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, veterans are 30% more likely to have a hearing impairment than civilians. Depending on your military occupation specialty, you may have been exposed to excessive noise levels during your military career.
Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels will cause irreversible damage to the hair cells in your ears that send auditory signals to your brain. And in the military, there are lots of sounds that exceed that threshold:
- Helicopter: 105 decibels
- Machine gun: 155 decibels
- Pistol and rifle fire: 157 decibels
- Anti-tank missiles: 166 decibels
- Heavy artillery: 185 decibels
Hearing loss worsens over time if it’s left untreated. You may find yourself missing sounds like the phone ringing or someone calling your name. Conversations become difficult as you ask others to repeat themselves or struggle to hear in noisy environments. That can lead to social withdrawal, isolation and depression.
Veterans Benefits
More than 2.7 million veterans have filed disability claims related to hearing loss and tinnitus. The Department of Veterans Affairs has hearing loss ratings designed to quantify your impairment based on your symptoms. You must receive a hearing loss diagnosis from a medical professional before the VA will file a disability claim. If you qualify, the VA will cover the cost of hearing aids and other hearing health services.
Audiology & Hearing Aid Solutions is a Veterans Choice Program partner, and we offer complimentary hearing aids and services to qualified veterans. Call 888.473.8702 or contact us online for more information.
