With Veterans Day this past Monday, we at RestorEar are pausing to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. As we reflect on their sacrifices, it's also a time to address one of the most common but often overlooked health issues facing veterans: hearing loss. Hearing damage is one of the top service-related disabilities, impacting countless veterans. Today, we explore some of the hearing health risks that veterans face. 

The Unique Hearing Risks Veterans Face

Military personnel are frequently exposed to high levels of noise during service, including gunfire, explosions, aircraft, and machinery. Over time, these intense sounds can cause both temporary and permanent damage to hearing. The following are common sources of noise exposure that put veterans at high risk:

• Combat Environments: The sounds of gunfire, artillery, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are not only loud but can occur suddenly, giving little time for ear protection.
• Aircraft and Vehicles: Veterans who worked in aviation or with armored vehicles often endured long hours around the constant drone of engines, which can exceed safe decibel levels.
• Training Exercises: Even outside of combat, soldiers undergo rigorous training that includes exposure to weapons, heavy machinery, and loud equipment, often for extended periods.

Common Hearing Problems Among Veterans

Because of these factors, hearing loss and tinnitus (a constant ringing in the ears) are two of the most prevalent service-related disabilities. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), over 1.5 million veterans receive disability compensation for hearing loss, and more than 2 million suffer from tinnitus. These conditions can have a significant impact on veterans' quality of life, leading to difficulties in communication, social isolation, and even mental health challenges like anxiety or depression.

How Veterans Can Protect Their Hearing

While hearing loss is common, it doesn’t have to be inevitable. By taking proactive steps, veterans—whether they are currently serving or have transitioned to civilian life—can help protect their hearing and minimize further damage.

Here are several strategies for hearing protection:

1. Use Hearing Protection

Veterans can reduce their risk by wearing protective gear like earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs during exposure to loud noises. Today's advanced military-grade ear protection is designed to filter out harmful sounds while still allowing soldiers to hear commands and other important cues. These should be used during training, on the job, and even in recreational activities, like hunting or using power tools. Using cold therapy like ReBound after noise exposure may also help minimize damage. 

2. Get Regular Hearing Screenings

Routine hearing tests are essential for early detection of hearing loss. Veterans should have their hearing checked annually, especially if they have a history of noise exposure. The earlier hearing loss is identified, the better the chances of preventing further damage or addressing the issue with hearing aids or other treatments.

The VA offers free hearing screenings and provides hearing aids to veterans with service-connected hearing loss. Make use of these resources!

3. Monitor Noise Levels in Daily Life

For veterans who have already experienced hearing loss or who are concerned about future risks, monitoring noise levels in everyday life is important. Avoiding prolonged exposure to loud environments, whether at work or home, can make a big difference. If you find yourself in a loud setting, like a concert or construction site, limit your exposure and wear ear protection.

4. Maintain General Health

Hearing health is connected to overall health. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease, which are more common as people age, can contribute to hearing loss. Veterans can protect their hearing by staying active, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing chronic conditions.

VA Resources and Benefits for Hearing Health

For veterans dealing with hearing loss or tinnitus, the VA offers a range of services, including:

• Hearing Tests: Veterans can receive comprehensive hearing exams through the VA, which are crucial for determining the extent of any hearing loss.
• Hearing Aids and Assistive Devices: The VA provides high-quality hearing aids and assistive listening devices to eligible veterans.
• Hearing Health Education: The VA offers resources on how to manage hearing loss, including tips on communication strategies, tinnitus management, and hearing aid use.

Veterans can access these services through their local VA medical center or community-based outpatient clinic. It’s essential to stay informed about these benefits and take advantage of the help available. Find your nearest clinic here.

On Veterans Day and every day, we express our gratitude for the service and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform. As we do so, it’s important to recognize the impact that military service can have on their health, particularly their hearing. By raising awareness about the risks of hearing loss and promoting preventative measures, we can help protect the hearing health of veterans for years to come.