With ANZAC Day approaching, Hearing Australia is calling on veterans to ‘take aim’ at hearing loss which will help address wellbeing issues such as loneliness and social isolation.
One in four veterans has military related hearing loss, according to a recent Australian review of studies, reported by Hearing Practitioner Australia.
Since it was founded in 1947 to provide services for returning WWII veterans, Hearing Australia has helped more than 150,000 veterans and their families.
“Military personnel are at a higher risk of noise-induced hearing loss because they’re exposed to high-level noise such as gunfire, explosives and machinery,” said Hearing Australia principal audiologist Ms Karen Hirschausen.
“They can be exposed to dangerous decibel levels of 140dB or more, which can cause irreversible damage in seconds.
“One demographic that’s most affected by hearing loss and tinnitus are veterans. That’s why we’re urging past and current personnel to not ignore any signs showing they might have damage. Hearing loss can have far-reaching consequences on someone’s life; it can affect their personal life, social life and working life, and can increase loneliness and social isolation.”
Hirschausen said it was concerning that an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare study found nearly one in 10 veterans was socially isolated and nearly one in five was lonely.
“As veterans with hearing loss may be at an increased risk for a range of wellbeing issues, it’s crucial they get the support they need to have good hearing health, such as access to regular hearing checks and hearing aids when appropriate,” she said.
Hearing aids reduce risk of loneliness
New research shows that using hearing aids regularly can reduce the risk of loneliness. The study, from Hearing Australia’s research division, National Acoustic Laboratories, found hearing loss increases the risk of elderly people feeling lonely, and this increases if hearing problems affect their ability to communicate and take part in everyday activities with other people.
Hearing loss can also increase the risk of depression. Dr Kylie Carra, La Trobe University senior lecturer in occupational therapy, recently surveyed 123 occupational therapists who treat veterans and found former service members were twice as likely than the general population to have depression.
Ms Gina Mavrias, Hearing Australia acting managing director said: “We have a proud history of providing services for veterans and their families around the country. We encourage all veterans to have a hearing check and take that first step to better hearing.”
Hearing aids are vital for Hearing Australia client and WWII veteran Bert, aged 102, pictured above, a proud foundation member of the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers whose military career spanned 38 years.
“I’ve been fortunate I didn’t have any difficulty becoming accustomed to hearing aids, and they’ve become part of me. My favourite sound is hearing little children enjoying themselves, chatting away,” said Bert, who has eight great-grandchildren.
Specialised smoke alarms for hearing impaired veterans
Meanwhile, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has reminded veterans with hearing impairment that it can provide them with assistive listening and hearing devices and specialised smoke alarms.
‘’To support veterans living with hearing conditions, we provide assistive listening and hearing devices through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP),” the DVA said. “The devices are designed to improve a veteran’s ability to hear in specific listening situations.”
The department said standard smoke alarms were suitable for most people with a mild to moderate hearing impairment but people with severe hearing loss were unlikely to hear them.
“For these veterans, DVA provides specialised smoke alarm packages that include a high quality smoke alarm, vibration pad, and flashing light which improve the ability to respond quickly and independently during a potential emergency,” the department said.
Veterans may be eligible to receive the specialised alarm through the RAP if diagnosed with profound hearing loss in the better functioning ear, and they hold a Veteran Gold Card, or a Veteran White Card for a related accepted condition. They should organise an appointment with their GP, audiologist, audiometrist, occupational therapist or hearing specialist.
Veterans are eligible to receive subsidised hearing services through the Hearing Services Program although conditions apply. Veterans with complex hearing needs may require specialist hearing services and additional support, which Hearing Australia provides through the Community Service Obligations (CSO) program, funded by the Australian Government.
More reading
Review confirms cancer treatment, antibiotics, COVID-29 as risk factors for hearing loss
Hearing aids stabilise cognitive function in elderly
Hearing aids with artificial intelligence big leap forward in improving hearing
