Veterans are regularly exposed to loud noises, while occurring on base or in combat, and that puts their hearing at risk. Millions of vets have hearing loss and hearing damage that stem from their time in the service, and they must get appropriate care.
Fortunately, qualifying veterans can receive hearing care and hearing aid assistance from the Veterans Administration (VA). While Miracle-Ear is not currently part of the VA system, we are always proud to work with the service men and women of the United States.
According to the VA, tinnitus and hearing loss are two of the top three reasons for military disability compensation claims. In fact, tinnitus is the number one disability among veterans, and a 2019 study showed that the number of veterans with tinnitus has been steadily on the rise.
Although the military has been implementing hearing conservation programs, hearing aids for veterans are critical. However, it can be challenging to prove that hearing loss is directly related to service. Bills aimed at making it easier for veterans to access hearing care and hearing aids following their service were introduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate in 2022
Considering the sounds of war, the fact that service men and women suffer from varying degrees of hearing loss is no surprise. But there is hope. At Miracle-Ear, we’re committed to serving veterans by improving their access to hearing aids and quality hearing healthcare.
Permanent hearing damage is often a direct result of sudden, loud explosions, the roar of airplane or ship engines, or even gunfire. These loud noises can cause the sensitive hair cells in the inner ear to become damaged and can even degenerate nerve cells in the ear. Once this happens, electrical signals aren’t properly transmitted, and hearing loss occurs. Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by a ruptured eardrum as well.
If you’re a veteran with hearing loss or tinnitus, you might be interested in participating in the Noise Outcomes in Service Members Epidemiology (NOISE) study. In 2006, Congress directed the VA to partner with what is now the National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine, IOM) and review records dating back to World War II regarding noise exposure in the military and related hearing loss. That review exposed major gaps in understanding the correlations, making it harder for the VA to assess risks for service members.
The IOM determined that more research was needed, and the NOISE study was subsequently designed to address those knowledge gaps by collecting data from veterans with hearing loss and tinnitus. Enrollment started in 2014 and is still ongoing, with aims to continue collecting data even past 2025.
There are two potential ways for veterans to access hearing care. Qualifying veterans can receive hearing care either through VA health benefits or VA disability compensation. However, whether hearing aids are a part of that will depend on the individual and their circumstances.
You must apply for VA healthcare to determine whether you qualify for hearing aids or other treatments. You can apply in four ways:
If you need assistance with filling out the forms or navigating the process, an accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative can help you. The VA’s website offers resources for finding an accredited representative.
It's important to understand the signs of hearing loss, which include:
It’s important to remember that hearing loss is treatable. Miracle-Ear offers many hearing aid options for veterans suffering from hearing loss. With hearing aids, hearing and quality of life can be improved. Modern hearing aids are designed to be discreet, unobtrusive, and require minimal upkeep.
Never underestimate the importance of ear care, your hearing might depend on it.
Miracle-Ear offers a wide range of hearing aids to fit all budgets, lifestyles, and degrees of hearing loss. You’ll work one-on-one with a hearing care professional who will assess your hearing needs and goals and offer you choices based on your unique situation.
Along with personalized care, your Miracle-Ear purchase includes lifetime aftercare, including checkups, cleanings, adjustments, and more. To learn more, make an appointment to meet with a hearing care professional at your neighborhood Miracle-Ear location.
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