HERE'S HOW VETERANS CAN ACCESS HEARING AIDS THROUGH THE VA
Hearing loss is a commonly cited issue among Veterans. Such disabilities can lower one’s quality of life and mental well-being. The United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) reports hearing challenges and tinnitus are some of the most prominent disabilities Veterans experience after service. If it is determined that you need hearing aids, the VA will provide them and repair them for you if they are damaged, provided you remain eligible. Despite this, and the regularity of these issues occurring in Veterans, access to hearing aids and similar care continues to be a problem.
Why Do Veterans Need Hearing Aids?
VA hearing aids are among the most essential medical devices in the military community. Due to their responsibilities, military personnel are exposed to unique and harsh environments. Because of this, Veterans eventually need hearing aids for various reasons.The most obvious factor is exposure to loud noises of different proportions. These include gunfire, bomb explosions, aircraft noises, and heavy-duty equipment. These sounds of war can damage one’s ear and ultimately cause hearing loss.Because of the harsh realities of war, this is one of the unfortunate consequences that many Veterans may face. If this is the case for any Veteran, it is important for them to have seamless access to hearing aids and other related care. Hearing aids allow them to communicate properly, avoid social seclusion, and keep meaningful relationships. With these devices, Veterans can live happier and enjoy life after service. Thus, having the necessary access to hearing aids can reduce the possibility of ineffective communication, depression, and other related mental health issues.
Factors Impeding Veterans’ Access to Hearing Aids
Even though hearing aids are available to Veterans who qualify for VA care, securing one can be difficult and time-consuming. Delays in receiving care may occur due to extended wait times for appointments. To obtain hearing aids through the VA, Veterans must:
- Choose a VA Medical Center to register at the health administration/enrollment section.
- Provide a copy of the Veterans DD214, driver’s license, and health insurance (if available).
- Schedule a hearing evaluation at Audiology and Speech Pathology Clinic once registered.
- The audiologist will diagnose your need for hearing aids and/or other assistive hearing devices.
Additionally, Veterans may live in areas that are substantial distances from medical centers, which can impede their ability to get to and from necessary appointments.Lastly, some Veterans are unaware of the medical services accessible to them. Many may not know that there are free hearing aids available. Additionally, Veterans may not be privy to navigating the VA’s system to access their services. This lack of awareness can result in countless Veterans going without hearing aids and possibly other necessary medical needs.
VA to Improve Veterans’ Access to Medical Devices
Regarding hearing aids, the VA has made valiant efforts to improve access to hearing aids. They have instituted measures to reduce wait times for Veterans who require audiology appointments and implement virtual audiology services to allow for remote care. This has made access to hearing aids much more seamless.In April, the VA announced an increase in Veteran patients who trust VA. Since they began conducting these surveys in 2017, Veteran patient trust has grown from 85.4% to 91.8%. In addition, they announced the decrease in wait times for new Veteran patients seeking primary care and mental health appointments in May.
Hearing Aids Are Essential for Veterans’ Quality of Life
Hearing aids are necessary for our Veterans who are dealing with the after effects of service. Military personnel fight to serve and protect their country, which ultimately comes with unfair consequences. Loss of hearing may be one and it should be an easy problem to solve. Furthermore, adequate care and access to hearing aids can drastically improve Veterans' lives.Even though things aren't perfect regarding hearing aids, the VA has instituted initiatives that have made a considerable impact in addressing issues relating to access. Finally, with these contributions, Veterans' lives and experiences with medical care are improving steadily.Sources:Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services, Accessed August 2024. https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/psas/hearing_aids.asp Trust in VA among Veteran Patients Rises to 91.8%, up 6% since 2017, Accessed Aug 2024. https://news.va.gov/press-room/trust-in-va-among-veteran-patients-rises-to-91-8/ VA Improves Access to Care, Reduces Wait Times for New Patient Appointments in Primary and Mental Health Care, Accessed Aug 2024. https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-improves-access-to-care-reduces-wait-times-for-new-patient-appointments-in-primary-and-mental-health-care/ Related reads: