Augusta has a large population of military personnel and their families. Whether you’re currently serving in the military or are retired from active duty, it’s crucial to pay attention to your health.
Hearing loss and tinnitus are routinely the top two health concerns for military veterans. Let’s examine these two types of auditory damage and what you can do to address them.
Hearing Loss
Permanent hearing loss typically affects the inner ear and results from aging, genetics, illness, physical injury, ototoxicity (a side effect of certain medications) or, as is common among military veterans, noise exposure. In some cases, muffled hearing arises from short-term exposure to loud noise.
A few hearing loss risks in the military include:
- Explosions and gunfire
- Aviation engine or wind noise
- Exposure to ototoxic chemicals
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
A few common signs of hearing loss include:
- Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds
- Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
- Feeling that other people are mumbling frequently
- Tinnitus
- Trouble following speech in big groups
- Hearing noise as if it’s coming through a thick wall
If you notice signs of hearing loss during or after your military service, our specialists can conduct a hearing test and recommend an effective treatment option, such as hearing aids or auditory training.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the presence of a ringing or buzzing in your ears with no identifiable source. A symptom of other conditions rather than a condition itself, tinnitus affects approximately 50 million people in the United States.
An estimated 90% of tinnitus cases are associated with underlying hearing loss. It may arise after exposure to loud noise, prolonged hearing loss, physical trauma or ototoxicity. In some cases, tinnitus can develop or worsen after repeated or severe stress, as is the case with veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
While tinnitus has no known cure, you can manage it with one or both of the following:
- Counseling. Counseling options like tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teach you coping mechanisms to reduce your negative response to tinnitus. CBT with a mental health professional can also help you address PTSD.
- Sound masking. Sound masking covers the internal ringing with a soothing external sound. You can use a sound machine, fan or hearing aids for sound masking.
A tinnitus specialist can help you get to the bottom of your symptoms and find ways to manage them.
Addressing Hearing Damage Early
If you’re dealing with hearing issues after or during your military service, contact Augusta – Aiken ENT & Allergy to schedule a hearing test and treatment consultation.