Hearing loss in the armed services is a major health challenge. In fact, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, hearing loss is the second most common service-related disability. A study published in Military Medicine last summer found that sudden hearing loss—a rapid, often unexplained loss of hearing that requires urgent medical attention—is more common among active duty U.S. military members than in the general public. While hearing issues in the military are nothing new, this research focused specifically on sudden cases, which can have serious consequences for both personal well-being and mission readiness.

Researchers at the Tripler Army Medical Center analyzed medical records of active duty service members from 2016 to 2021 and identified 2,650 cases of sudden hearing loss. On average, there were about 33 cases per 100,000 people each year—higher than the 5 to 27 per 100,000 seen in civilians.

Further, certain groups within the armed services were more affected than others. Senior officers had the highest rate of sudden hearing loss (104 per 100,000), likely due to age-related risks. Air Force personnel, a group with frequent loud noise exposure, also showed elevated rates (45 per 100,000). Interestingly, service members stationed overseas were less likely to experience sudden hearing loss compared to those based in the U.S. The study didn’t find any major differences based on job type or between the years before and after the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Sudden hearing loss is a notable issue in the military, especially among older officers and Air Force members. More research is needed to understand why these groups are at higher risk and how to better protect their hearing health.

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