If You are a Veteran, Do You Qualify to Receive Hearing Aids from the VA?

Veterans with Hearing Loss or Tinnitus

There are many veterans who suffer from hearing loss and/or tinnitus. Those who have served in our military may receive hearing healthcare benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

Every year, approximately one million veterans collect disability compensation for their hearing loss. 

Due to regular exposure to loud noises during active combat, and other job-related duties, hearing loss is the most common service-related injury among veterans.

In order to help veterans deal with their hearing loss, or tinnitus, the VA provides these two services:

• Free or low-cost hearing health care (by using hearing aids) through the VA Health Benefits.
• Monthly tax-free payments made through the VA Disability Compensation.

How do you know if you are eligible for hearing aids from the VA?

In order to obtain hearing aids, you have to qualify for VA Health Benefits. After being enrolled, veterans may search for benefits for hearing tests, exams and hearing aids. You may apply here, you may call 1-877-222-VETS or visit your local VA healthcare facility or regional office.  

After approval

Not every veteran will receive hearing aids. The following veterans are likely to benefit from hearing aid care:

• Individuals with any compensable service connected disability.
• Any former Prisoners of War (P.O.W.).
• Any service member who was awarded a Purple Heart.
• Individuals who receive benefits under 38 U.S.C. 1151.
• Individuals who receive an increased pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or due to being permanently house-bound. 
• Individuals who are hearing impaired that is the result of another medical condition that the veteran is receiving VA care for, which developed due to treatment of that medical condition. 
• Individuals who have severe cognitive or functional deterioration that are evident during daily life and activities, not including normally occurring hearing impairments.
• Individuals who are severely hearing impaired that sensorineural aids are needed for active participation in their own medical treatment.    

To speak to a representative from your nearest VA medical center, contact them here.

Preventative Measures for Hearing Loss in the Military

Veterans who are at least 65-years-old - particularly those who served an extensive amount of time in combat zones - are twice as likely to develop severe hearing loss than others.

Here are some things that current service members can do to protect their hearing health:

• Reduce your exposure to noisy environments: Realistically, it might not always be possible to select the amount of noise you are exposed to, but it’s important to try and limit that exposure as much as possible.
• Always wear protection for your hearing: Service members should wear ear protection. Gunfire is the main cause of hearing loss. 
• Protect your head in order to prevent head trauma or other injury: It’s important to protect yourself from head trauma. This will decrease any chance of injury that may cause hearing loss.
• Get regular check-ups for your hearing: After receiving a standard hearing test, service members should get their hearing checked every two years in order to discover any changes.     

Veterans with Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a prevalent issue for veterans. If you constantly hear a ringing, buzzing or whistling sound, you might be eligible for hearing care, disability payments, and the VA’s tinnitus management program. Please contact your local VA office for more information. There is no known cure for tinnitus, but there are treatments to help those who suffer from it.

If you, or a loved one, are a veteran who does not qualify to receive hearing aids from the VA, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids. We offer a free hearing test and a variety of hearing aid solutions for any range of hearing loss.

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