Hearing Health: A Vital Sense for Veterans

by Lindsay B. Robinson, HIA Program Manager

November 6, 2024

On Veteran’s Day and every day, we express our gratitude to all our military veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to our country. With regular exposure to noise during training or combat, nearly 15 percent of active-duty service members experience some degree of hearing loss. To assist Veterans experiencing hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers comprehensive hearing health services and access to state-of-the-art, premium hearing aids, tinnitus treatments, and other assistive devices.  

Treatment for hearing loss can greatly benefit the quality of life of our veterans by decreasing the risks of isolation, cognitive decline, and depression. If you are a Veteran experiencing hearing loss or tinnitus, here are a few things to know about getting assistance from the VA and what to expect:

• Veterans must be enrolled in VA Healthcare Benefits to access hearing services. Once enrolled, veterans can schedule an appointment at their VA Audiology and Speech Pathology Clinic to begin their evaluation and treatment journey.


• VA audiologists will assess the extent of hearing loss and make personalized recommendations for treatment.


• If hearing aids are recommended, the VA will provide high-quality devices that are fit to the veteran’s unique hearing loss needs. These hearing aids include features like advanced signal processing for feedback reduction and noise reduction, directional microphones, rechargeable batteries, and wireless connectivity. Additional devices that may be suggested include cochlear implants, bone-anchored hearing aids, and assistive devices for special listening environments.


• For tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, the VA offers prescription hearing aids with tinnitus maskers which can provide considerable relief, helping veterans maintain their focus and reduce listening stress.


• The VA also provides necessary services via telehealth to Veterans who are unable to visit a clinic or facility. Telehealth support allows veterans to receive follow-up care and consult with their audiologist from home.

Hearing loss doesn’t have to limit your life or potential. The VA’s comprehensive support system is designed to make hearing health accessible and effective, allowing veterans to lead full and connected lives. Whether you’re experiencing hearing loss, tinnitus, or just beginning to notice changes in your hearing, VA services are ready to support you at every step.

See what Marine helicopter pilot, Char Thoreen, has to say about treating her service-related hearing loss