Healthy hearing is crucial for overall well-being, especially for veterans who were exposed to loud noises during their service. Our outreach efforts and Hearoes Tour have revealed that approximately 65% of younger veterans and 85% of older veterans are experiencing some degree of hearing loss. Thankfully, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a variety of benefits related to hearing health. However, navigating the system can be daunting.
Story of a Veteran We Helped Recently
This week, our care team had the privilege of assisting a dedicated veteran who faced persistent barriers in accessing the care he needed. Despite his efforts to navigate the system, he encountered challenges at every turn. Determined to support him fully, we have been personally guiding him through the process until he can hear life fully once again.
You Have a Guide
With a year of collaboration with VA systems and 13 years of experience assisting thousands of veterans, Songs for Sound is committed to raising awareness and providing personalized support to each veteran. Our objective is to remove barriers that may hinder veterans from seeking help, such as the stigma associated with hearing loss, challenges in accessing VA audiology facilities or traveling long distances, limited awareness of the consequences of untreated hearing loss like dementia, administrative hurdles, and financial concerns.
Having supported numerous veterans, especially in rural areas, we have recognized that many veterans need guidance in navigating the process of obtaining care, locating VA Audiology services, understanding their importance, and enrolling for benefits.
This guide aims to assist you in comprehending how to access these crucial services, whether you are newly eligible or already enrolled.
Understanding VA Hearing Health Benefits
The VA offers several services related to hearing health, including hearing tests, hearing aids, cochlear implants and other related treatments. Veterans who experience hearing loss or other auditory issues due to their service may be entitled to compensation. For instance, hearing loss is one of the most prevalent disabilities among veterans. According to the VA, about 1 in 3 veterans who served in Vietnam has some degree of hearing loss. Understanding these benefits can make a significant difference in your quality of life.
Eligibility Criteria for VA Benefits
To access hearing health benefits, veterans need to determine their eligibility. Here are the key factors to consider:
Service Connection is No Longer a Requirement: You used to need to demonstrate that your hearing issues are linked to your military service. The VA requires a loss of at least 10% or mild hearing loss. Tinnitus is also rated at 10% minimum.
Veteran Status: Minimum four years of service and an honorable discharge is essential for accessing VA benefits.
Enrollment in the VA Health Care System: If you haven’t applied for benefits yet, the first step is to enroll in the VA system. Learn more HERE.
How to Register for VA Benefits
If you are not yet enrolled in the VA health system, follow these steps to begin:
Gather Documentation: Collect your military discharge papers (DD Form 214) and relevant medical records. HERE
Complete the Application: You can apply online through the VA's website HERE, visit a local VA office, or call the VA hotline.
Submit a Claim for Hearing Issues: Once enrolled, file a claim specifically for hearing-related issues. Be detailed about your auditory concerns and any service-related incidents that may have caused them.
Already a Songs for Sound Member: Register for Benefits through your Dashboard HERE.
Become a SFS Member: Join for FREE HERE and get access to a free hearing health dashboard.
Benefits for Current VA Members
If you’re already enrolled in the VA system, accessing hearing health benefits is easier. Here are the steps you should follow:
Schedule an Appointment: Contact your local VA facility to arrange a hearing test. Most VA clinics offer audiology services. HERE
- Enter your zip code
- Facility Type: “VA Health”
- Service Type: “Audiology”
- Contact the closest facility; ensure they still have audiology on-site full-time. If not, ask for the number to the nearest VA audiology site & speak with the representative in that department.
- If you continue to run into issues, please contact our Care Team HERE for support.
Bring Necessary Information: Make sure to have your medical history and any documentation of prior hearing issues during your appointment.
Follow Through with Recommendations: After your evaluation, adhere to the treatment plan set by your audiologist, which may include receiving hearing aids or other assistive devices.
Partner with Your Audiologist: Make annual follow up appointments for programming. If your hearing changes, schedule an appointment. You may need to have programming changes made to your hearing technology.
Types of Hearing Health Services Offered
The VA provides a comprehensive range of services for veterans needing hearing health support:
Hearing Tests: These are thorough assessments designed to evaluate your hearing capabilities accurately.
Hearing Aids: Qualifying veterans may receive hearing devices at no cost. According to recent statistics, about 2 million veterans currently use VA-issued hearing aids.
Cochlear Implants and Implantable Technologies: Cochlear implants, covered by the VA for eligible veterans, restore hearing when for those with severe-to-profound hearing loss when hearing aids are no longer enough.
Assistive Listening Devices: Besides hearing aids, the VA offers various tools that enhance hearing in everyday situations.
Counseling and Support: The VA also provides counseling services to help veterans cope with hearing loss and its impacts. HERE
Coping with Hearing Loss
Adjusting to hearing loss can be challenging for many veterans. The VA understands this and offers both physical and emotional support. Here are some helpful resources:
Support Groups: Meeting with other veterans who face similar challenges can provide much-needed emotional comfort and solidarity. Start HERE
Counseling Services: Professional counseling is accessible through the VA for those struggling with the emotional impact of hearing loss.
CONTACT: 855-260-3274
Education & Other Programs: The VA offers workshops to help veterans understand and manage the implications of hearing loss in their daily lives. HERE
Appeals Process for Denied Claims
If your claim for hearing health benefits is denied, don’t give up. The VA has an appeals process that allows you to challenge decisions. Here are the steps to follow:
Review Your Claim: Take a close look at the reasons for denial in the notification letter.
Gather Additional Evidence: If needed, collect more documentation or expert opinions to reinforce your case.
Submit an Appeal: Follow the official procedure for submitting an appeal through the VA's appeals portal.
Seek Assistance if Needed: Consider getting help from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) that can guide you through the appeals process. HERE
Final Thoughts
Accessing hearing health benefits through the VA is crucial for veterans dealing with hearing loss or related issues. Whether you are a current member or a new applicant, understanding the necessary steps and available resources is very important. With the right information and support, veterans can secure the hearing health care they need, significantly improving their quality of life. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local VA office or veteran support organizations for guidance on improving your hearing health.
By staying informed and proactive about your hearing health benefits, you can navigate the VA system effectively and ensure that your auditory well-being is prioritized. Your service matters, and so does your hearing health.
Our charity is in need of support to continue this meaningful work. This mission provides free services to thousands of veterans who have served our country selflessly. Your pledge of $10 per month for 12 months will go a long way in helping us achieve our goal. We are grateful to announce that a family donor has generously offered to match donations up to $25,000. With over 8000 pledges, we can make a significant impact and support our veterans in need.
Visit SongsForSound.org to pledge, make a one-time gift or learn more about hearing health and our mission.
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