Every year, thousands of military personnel suffer from noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus.
Many ex-service personnel claim compensation after they suffer hearing damage whilst working for the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Although we support a number of ex-soldiers, we also support personnel from other trades, such as radio operators and mechanics. Typically excessive noise exposure comes from:
- Weapon fire, including SA80 rifles, light and heavy machine guns
- Flash bangs, mortars and grenades
- Aircraft, boat and vehicle engine noise.
But exposure to noise can happen in a range of scenarios.
The Ministry of Defence provides staff with personal protective equipment. But sometimes things go wrong. When they do, the effects can be devastating, and can ultimately lead to a lost career in the Armed Forces.
We support a lot of people who believe their injury is minor. But often it’s significant enough to result in medical downgrade and even discharge from the Armed Forces.
Our noise-induced hearing loss expert Carol Purang works closely with the UK Veterans Hearing Foundation (UKVHF). The UKVHF is a charity that supports veterans with damaged hearing, providing them with hearing aids and other equipment. Their work’s vital for veterans and service personnel who’ve experienced hearing loss whilst serving in the Armed Forces.
Carol caught up with Chloe Johnston, the business development manager for the UKVHF, to talk about the charity’s great work, and their plans for the future. Chloe said:
“We’re devoted to helping ex-service personnel get the treatment they need for hearing loss and other associated conditions.
“Sadly, over 300,000 of the military community are affected by NIHL because of explosions or the excessive use of weaponry and firearms. Thousands of veterans leave the Armed Forces every year with little-to-no access to hearing healthcare.
“We’re currently the only charity in the UK focussing solely on supporting the military community with service-related hearing issues. To do so, we’ve set-up an independent network of audiologists to fit veterans with high-quality hearing aids across the country. We also provide access to tinnitus counselling and mental health support.
“Our research found veterans with hearing loss are often neglected, and many can’t afford suitable hearing aids. These are needed to improve their high frequency hearing loss.
“In some cases, untreated hearing loss can lead to a range of mental health conditions, and often makes existing ones worse. This can cause veterans to withdraw from social situations, so it’s important that veterans get the medical attention they need.”
Chloe continued:
“We used to be an organisation called the UK Veteran’s Hearing Help, and we’re proud to have fitted over 500 veterans with hearing aids between 2016 and 2019. In 2020, we became a charity, and we’ve since fitted another 55 veterans.
“As a charity, it’s become obvious there’s an ongoing issue that veterans are desperate for hearing support.
“We’re working to break barriers faced by ex-service personnel by providing first-rate hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings and comprehensive aftercare. We hope we can support veterans to live normal civilian lives.”
If you think you’ve been exposed to excessive noise whilst serving in the Armed Forces, our Military Injury team can help you get the support you need.
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