An expert claims that hearing loss is the most significant disability among military veterans.

Overlooked is the most common ailment among thousands of wounded warriors and military veterans who struggle with disabilities and injuries daily.

According to Dr. Tom Tedeschi, chief audiology director for Amplifon Hearing Health Care, tinnitus, or ringing in the ear, is the leading disability in the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Tedeschi, a Utah-based veteran and Vietnam-era Army veteran, shared with Planet Chronicle Digital how widespread hearing loss and complications are among the veteran community.

Experts estimate that approximately 60% of Vietnam veterans and 50% of Gulf War veterans experience hearing loss.

""One out of every three veterans is estimated to have some degree of hearing loss or tinnitus, which is not surprising given the military's noisy environment," he stated."

Different sound levels affect people differently, as Tedeschi pointed out.

"Some individuals may experience permanent hearing damage after hearing a loud noise like a gunshot, while others may be able to withstand a lot of noise without immediate harm."

During peace time, combat-facing soldiers may still experience sustained noise levels, according to Tedeschi.

Despite military personnel being provided with hearing protection, Tedeschi stated that it is often "impractical," particularly during active combat.

"There are more people now under the age of 50 with hearing loss than over the age of 50."

Even mild hearing loss in young veterans can worsen with time, as the expert warned when hearing loss cannot be regained.

He stated that as young people, we often believe we're invincible and that hearing loss is something that only happens to older individuals, which is not accurate.

"More individuals under 50 are experiencing hearing loss than those over 50."

Care and protection

Acknowledging hearing complications among veterans is the biggest hurdle in addressing them, according to Tedeschi.

"The people around them notice hearing loss more often than the individuals experiencing it."

Veterans should seek help if they experience tinnitus or difficulty hearing while conversing or watching TV, as urged by Tedeschi.

Tinnitus cannot be cured or completely eliminated, but there are various treatments and methods available to alleviate it.

According to Tedeschi, hearing aids have come a long way in the past decade and are now "light years ahead" of their previous versions.

Proper hearing protection, such as ear buds and earmuffs, should be worn both in and out of combat, as emphasized by Tedeschi.

"A lot of people love to go to concerts, which can sustain damage if you're not wearing hearing protection while mowing the lawn."

Tedeschi advised that if you experience ringing after a loud event, it may indicate ear damage.

In some cases, the damage can be permanent even though there is usually a recovery period, he stated.

Tedeschi cautioned that some drugs, such as aspirin, may result in hearing loss as a side effect.

Be cautious when taking a lot of aspirin for arthritis and consult your doctor about alternative options, advised the individual.

Tedeschi urged veterans to obtain assistance to prevent hearing loss from resulting in additional issues, including cognitive decline.

According to the expert, untreated hearing loss can lead to a faster decline in cognitive function, as the brain has to work harder to compensate.

"We're seeing more and more individuals with untreated hearing loss who have faster decline in their cognitive function."

"Veterans, it's important to understand that assistance is available for you, and you don't have to endure the additional health issues that come with hearing loss."

Local VA centers offer hearing evaluations and counselor referrals for hearing loss specialists to veterans.