Veteran Administration Hearing Aids
Did you know that the VA offers hearing healthcare benefits and disability compensation for veterans? If you have served in the military, you may be eligible for free or VA hearing aids. The VA also provides a monthly stipend to help with costs of living expenses such as food and housing.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a program called the Hearing Loss Program that provides help for veterans who have hearing loss due to injury or disease and helps them find ways to deal with it day-to-day.
In fact, there are many risks which military personnel face during their time on the job. One of the most prevalent injuries in the VA’s service records is hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to loud noises.
VA Hearing Aids
Hearing loss can be devastating for those who have served our country. The VA offers two main services to help veterans cope with hearing loss: free or low-cost health care, and monthly tax-free payments.
Are you eligible for hearing aids from the VA?
After years of struggling to hear, it could be time for you as a veteran to get your hearing tested. The VA has been helping veterans receive health benefits for their hearing needs since the 1940s when they first began providing hearings tests and services. Enrolling is easy! Visit the VA’s website to find out how you can apply today.
VA Hearing Aids Approval
Veterans who are deemed eligible for hearing aids by their audiologist will be given the opportunity to purchase them from a local VA provider. If you have been prescribed hearing aids by your audiologist, but do not want to use those that are available at the VA, then you may instead opt to buy your own hearing aids.
There are a lot of veterans who have hearing loss due to their service in the military. However, there are some vets who don’t qualify for any benefits or will need to pay co-pay on top of the cost for treatment. If you’re concerned about your eligibility for VA coverage and want more information, contact a representative at the nearest medical center and they can discuss your options with you from there.
Veterans with hearing disabilities may be eligible for a free pair of hearing aids courtesy of the US government. This information is on the VA Health Care’s Hearing Aids page.
VA Hearing Aids: Disability
If you experienced hearing loss or another auditory problem as a result of service in the U.S. military, then you may be eligible for disability compensation. Head over to VA Disability Compensation and find out more about how to qualify for benefits.
VA Hearing Aids: 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 communities.
Increasingly, Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals are offering teleaudiology services-whether in person or through videoconferencing-to help take care of vets living remotely and without easy access to healthcare centers. The MISSION ACT of 2018 has helped make these vital services possible by allowing for increased funding for community health programs aimed at improving rural veteran healthcare provisions and expanding telehealth capabilities that use video technology instead of face-to-face visits between patients and medical experts.
VA Hearing Aids and Tinnitus
Tinnitus, or “ringing in the ears”, is a debilitating condition plaguing many veterans – and it’s not just for those who’ve been to war. If you’re having trouble hearing your own thoughts over the incessant ringing, contact your local VA office for help.
Preventing hearing loss in today’s military
The effects of combat can be seen in those who spend too much time there. The veterans over 65—especially those who were deployed for an extended amount of time—are at nearly twice the risk of developing severe hearing loss compared to their peers.
It is important that current service members protect themselves against future hearing loss by following these protective measures: wearing ear protection while on-duty, checking your volume settings periodically, and getting regular checkups with a doctor.
