Tinnitus is the number one disability among veterans. According to Military.com, in 2015 over 150,000 veterans were diagnosed with tinnitus. On average, tinnitus affects at least one in every 10 American adults, and is experienced as a clicking, ringing, buzzing or hissing sound in the ears. For some, tinnitus is simply a nuisance. But for many others, tinnitus can be a painful and daily distraction.
Hearing health has been shown to have a profound influence on overall health and wellness, both physical and mental. The prevalence of tinnitus, and hearing loss, in military veterans has caused defense departments to become more proactive about hearing health for soldiers. The Army released new hearing protection technology in June, and the Marines, Navy and Air Force have all taken proactive steps toward increasing hearing health awareness with current military personnel and veterans.
Because tinnitus often accompanies hearing loss, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) works with hearing aid companies like Starkey Hearing Technologies to help provide access to audiology care services and hearing aid technologies.
If you’re a veteran who suffers from tinnitus and/or hearing loss, click here to see what hearing technologies are available to you through the VA. When you’re ready to find a local VA provider, visit our Hearing Loss Resources page.