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The Realities of Hearing Damage/Loss in the Army

Side effects of hearing damage/loss:

1) Social isolation 2) Loss of sleep3) Reduced efficiency4) Headaches5) Reduced reaction time6) High blood pressure7) Depression

52% of combatants reported experiencing some tinnitusof these, 34% perceived the tinnitus to be moderate or loud11% experienced moderate to much interference with their ability to hear 3% experienced sleep disturbance often or all the time

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80% of surveyed Canadian forces were exposed to noise at least some of the time, while 17% of those exposed indicated they never wore hearing protection devices in noise

In 2006 there were over 55,864 veterans' compensation cases awarded for hearing loss, costing over 900 million dollars

About 60% of deployed military service men and women have noise induced hearing loss, tinnitus and other hearing injuries.

Veterans Affairs Canada indicate the cost of claims for noiseinducedhearing loss have risen to well over 33 million dollars annually

"You served, you deserve"

Terry's Story Terry, a 91 year old veteran, had much to share about his six year service during WW II. Our communication was hindered as I had to repeat myself a few times and speak as loudly and slowly as possible. Terry provided a visual image of the war scene and explained how loud the tanks, radiators and motors he operated were. He clearly remembers the white noise in the background of the ear phones he was obligated to wear. What is most concerning is Terry's recollection of his ears ringing for days after his unit was bombed.Terry does not regret his experiece in the army, although he continues to suffer adverse health effects. At the retirement home where he resides, Terry admits that he feels "left out". He cannot participate in many social activities due to his hearing loss. It does not seem fair that Terry's reward for serving our country is years of loneliness.When asked about hearing protection, Terry was shocked that regulations are currently enforced in the army. He explained that it simply "wasn't a part of our life". Although hearing protection might seem ordinary to us in 2012, it definitely was not a social norm when Terry served in the army.

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