Veterans who wish to receive hearing aids, cochlear implants or similar devices need to check if they qualify for the VA Health Benefits.
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers hearing aids for veterans with disabilities. In order to qualify for these VA hearing aids, the veteran must have a service-connected disability rating or be receiving treatment from a VA medical facility.
According to the U.S Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), routine exposure to loud noise in active combat is the most prevalent source of hearing loss among veterans.
To assist veterans coping with hearing loss and related disorders like tinnitus, the VA offers the following services:
• free or low-cost hearing health care (including hearing aids) via VA Health Benefits
• monthly, tax-free payments through the VA Disability Compensation
VA Hearing Aids Eligibility
Veterans who wish to receive hearing aids, cochlear implants or similar devices need to check if they qualify for the VA Health Benefits.
Once enrolled, veterans can enjoy benefits for hearing tests and hearing aids.
To start the eligibility process, veterans can apply online or call 1-877-222-VETS. Veterans can also visit a local VA healthcare facility or the nearest VA regional office.
VA Hearing Aids Approval
According to the VA’s directive for eye and ear care, once a veteran’s eligibility is approved for VA health care benefits, they will be required to undergo a hearing evaluation by a state-licensed audiologist to determine the need for hearing aids.
Take note that not every veteran will be eligible to receive hearing aids. Based on the directive, the following veterans are most likely to receive VA hearing aids:
• Those with any compensable service connected disability.
• Former Prisoners of War.
• Those who were awarded a Purple Heart.
• Those who have a visual or hearing impairment resulting from the existence of another medical condition for which the Veteran is receiving VA care, or which resulted from treatment of that medical condition.
• Those with significant functional or cognitive impairment evidenced by deficiencies in activities of daily living, but not including normally occurring visual or hearing impairments.
• Those visually or hearing impaired so severely that the provision of sensori-neural aids is necessary to permit active participation in their own medical treatment.
There are cases where a veteran will not qualify for any hearing care benefits or will have to shell out some money with a co-pay arrangement.
For more information about VA hearing aids, contact a representative at the nearest VA medical center.
VA Disability for Hearing Loss
Veterans who acquired hearing loss or a related auditory problem as a result of service in the U.S military may be eligible for disability compensation.
VA Hearing Aids – Can you see a local provider?
Veterans now have greater access to hearing healthcare providers in the local community thanks to the MISSION Act of 2018.
VA Community Care is made available to veterans who live too far from a VA clinic. Additionally, the VA also offers tele-audiology for veterans who are not physically able to travel far.
VA audiology providers can help evaluate and diagnose the cause of your problem, prescribe appropriate treatment, or refer you to another specialist.
Veterans and Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing in the ears that can be caused by loud noises, age-related hearing loss, or other factors. This condition has no known cure. However, there are several methods that can be used to help tinnitus patients feel relieved from symptoms and flare-ups.
Tinnitus is a common condition among veterans. The VA offers a progressive tinnitus management program for veterans suffering from ringing in the ears. If you or someone you know is interested in availing the VA tinnitus management program, you may contact the local VA office for more information.
Preventing Hearing Loss in Today’s Military
As the popular saying goes, prevention is better than cure.
The best way to prevent hearing loss and tinnitus is by protecting the ears from loud noises. Military personnel are usually exposed to loud sounds like gunshots or explosions which may all cause damage to the inner hair of the ears and cause hearing loss in the long run.