How common is hearing loss in the military?

In 2016, more than a million veterans received disability compensation for hearing loss, and about 1.6 million received compensation for tinnitus, according to The American Academy of Audiology….Hearing Loss and Tank Gunner Performance.

Combat Event	Good Hearing	Poor Hearing
Incorrect command heard	1 percent	37 percent

Do most soldiers go deaf?

After a while in combat, almost every soldier will suffer from hearing loss. This is a part of the job and you have to deal with it. Unfortunately, loud noises comes with the territory.

Is hearing loss classed as a disability?

If you are deaf or have hearing loss, you may not think of yourself as having a disability. But under the Equality Act 2010 you might be defined as disabled. This means you should have equal access and equality of opportunity without discrimination.

What should you not do before a hearing test?

Don’t let earwax get in between you and hearing the world around you. At least 2 days before your appointment for a hearing test, clean your ears of wax. Don’t use cotton swabs or place anything in your ear smaller than your foot. Your ears can be easily damaged if you insert objects in your ear canal.

Who are hearing impaired people in the military?

He is a retired military audiologist, who served as the director of the Army Audiology and Speech Center, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, a consultant to the Army Hearing Conservation program and. Dr. Danielson is the Immediate Past Chair of the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation.

How are hearing tests done in the military?

Military recruiters, who coordinate the details of military career choices, also arrange with MEPS personnel to conduct physical exams (including audiometric tests) and then determine if an applicant’s medical status meets requirements of a given job. As shown below, hearing test results need not be “perfect”.

What are the hearing thresholds for the military?

Pure tone thresholds not more than 45 dB at 3000 Hz and 55 dB at 4000 Hz (each ear).

How does the military medical evaluation board work?

The board evaluates a Service member’s medical history and condition, documents the extent of the injury or illness, and decides whether the Service member’s medical condition is severe enough to impede his/her ability to continue serving in a full duty capacity.

Is there a link between hearing loss and military service?

Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. The observed association of SHI with military service, and particularly with service in the United States or overseas after September 2001, underscores the need for improved HCPs in the various service branches and the importance of hearing loss surveillance in military and VA health systems.

What are the components of the army hearing program?

The Army Hearing Program (AHP) provides information on hearing, hearing loss prevention, hearing protection, DOEHRS-HC, hearing monitoring, and reducing noise hazards. The AHP consists of four components: Hearing Readiness, Operational Hearing Services, Clinical Hearing Services, and Hearing Conservation.

Is there a hearing standard for the military?

There is not a military hearing standard for 6000 cycles per second, however, any history of hearing aid use is also disqualifying.

What is the army hearing readiness and conservation?

Hearing Readiness and Conservation. The Army Hearing Program (AHP) provides information on hearing, hearing loss prevention, hearing protection, DOEHRS-HC, hearing monitoring, and reducing noise hazards. The AHP consists of four components: