Three in five military personnel leave the service with some type of hearing impairment, often as a result of noise exposure, and more than a quarter of veterans of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq suffer from severe hearing loss.
It has been described as a silent epidemic, and it’s one that we’re just starting to get a handle on, because hearing loss is just one of many issues veterans face as they make the transition to civilian life.
The Veterans Administration spends more than $2 billion annually on hearing-related disability benefits, and that is likely just the tip of the iceberg, as more veterans come to experience hearing loss as they age
The Department of Defense is doing its part to take notice, pushing Congress for funding for research into noise-induced hearing loss on active-duty personnel, and into improvements in hearing technology along the lines of efforts that have improved the quality of prosthetic limbs.
How Hearing Healthcare of Virginia can help
According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, hearing loss is the third most common health condition among adults. Experts at Hearing Healthcare of Virginia can help you stay connected and thrive in daily life. Understand where your strengths and areas of weakness lie so you can take steps toward improvement. Learn what to expect on your first visit with our experienced and reliable experts.
Share
AFP
