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VA and hearing aids
Contributed by Joy Victory, managing editor, Healthy Hearing Many veterans are affected by hearing loss and tinnitus. If you've served in the military, you may qualify for hearing healthcare benefits and disability compensation from the VA.
Side view of veteran wearing uniform
Are you a U.S. veteran worried you may have hearing loss? You're not alone. Annually, about one million veterans receive disability compensation for hearing loss. ![]() hearing aid benefits through the VA. In fact, because of routine exposure to loud noise in active combat and other on-the-job activities, hearing loss is the most prevalent service-related injury that disables veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). To help veterans coping with hearing loss or related disorders like tinnitus, the VA offers two main services:
Are you eligible for hearing aids from the VA?To receive hearing aids or similar devices (such as a cochlear implant), you first must qualify for VA Health Benefits. Once enrolled, veterans can seek out benefits for hearing tests, examinations and hearing aids. To begin this process, veterans should apply for enrollment online or by calling 1-877-222-VETS or visiting a local VA healthcare facility or regional office. Once you are approvedOnce approved for VA health care benefits, all Veterans "shall receive a hearing evaluation by a state-licensed audiologist to determine the need for hearing aids," according to the VA's 2014 directive for eye and ear care. However, not every veteran will necessarily receive hearing aids. As the directive explains (page 1-2), the following veterans are most likely to receive hearing aid care are:
Page 3 of the directive further explains what levels of hearing loss meets the criteria for an audiologist to prescribe hearing aids in this group. In some cases, a veteran will not qualify for any hearing care benefits, or will have to pay co-pays. For additional information regarding hearing aid coverage through the VA, contact a representative at the nearest VA medical center to begin hearing loss treatment discussions. Information on signing up for benefits, ordering hearing batteries, wax guards and other accessories is also found on the VA Health Care's Hearing Aids page. VA disability for hearing lossIf you experienced hearing loss or another auditory problem as a result of service in the U.S. military, you also may be eligible for disability compensation. To find out more, visit VA Disability Compensation. Can you see a local provider?Thanks to the MISSION Act of 2018, veterans now have greater access to hearing care providers in their local community. VA Community Care, as its known, may be available to you if you live too far from a VA clinic, or if there is a long waiting time to get an appointment at the closest VA facility. This welcome kit provides more detailed information. Increasingly, the VA is also offering teleaudiology for veterans who can't travel far. Veterans and tinnitusTinnitus is a common problem among veterans. If you have ringing in the ears, you may qualify for hearing care, disability payments, and the VA's progressive tinnitus management program. Those interested should contact their local VA office for more information. Tinnitus has no known cure, but several techniques can be used to help sufferers acclimate to the sound and manage their reactions to flare-ups. Preventing hearing loss in today's militaryVeterans over 65—especially those who spent an extended amount of time deployed in combat zones—are at nearly twice the risk of developing severe hearing loss compared to their peers. Current service members can protect themselves against future hearing loss by following these protective measures:
Joy Victory, managing editor, Healthy Hearing
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VA and hearing aids
Contributed by Joy Victory, managing editor, Healthy Hearing Many veterans are affected by hearing loss and tinnitus. If you've served in the military, you may qualify for hearing healthcare benefits and disability compensation from the VA. |