U.S. troops have such a strong and rich history in our country. After all, America would have been made possible without them. The U.S. Army was first established back in 1775.
Since then, an insurmountable amount of Americans have dedicated their time and lives to our nation and freedom. Each September, the country and the U.S. Army’s community remorsefully prepare to remember the tragic event that drastically changed the nation.
With each passing anniversary of September 11th, the world can acknowledge all the lives that were lost on that heartbreaking day. Still, it is also an opportunity to thank and honor the soldiers in the past and present who have defended America and continue to do so.
For this reason, September 11th has officially been deemed a Patriot Day as well as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.
The U.S. troops are an essential part of our country, and that is exactly why it is so vital that we educate ourselves on how to help and care for them.
What Is the Connection Between Hearing Loss and U.S. Troops?
For as long as the U.S. troops have fought, they have been risking their lives for America and the country’s beloved residents. Unfortunately, many people often dismiss or are uneducated about the many other complications and injuries that can result from having a career within the U.S. troops.
Hearing loss and auditory issues are one of the leading problems for former and current U.S. troop members.
Back in 1978, the Department of Defense began putting policies in place that mandated that each branch of the armed services implement “noise hazard identification, safety signs and labels, noise mitigation, education and training, audiometric surveillance, and program evaluation.”
However, regrettably, in 2005, the Institute of Medicine reported that these precautions were deficient.
Though the Department of Defense claimed to have since enforced the recommendations made by the Government Accountability Office to try to rectify these shortcomings, it still speaks to the ever-changing and developing conditions surrounding U.S. troops and the risks linked to hearing loss.
What Has Research Revealed?
Unfortunately, with time, the correlation between hearing loss and the members of U.S. troops continue to strengthen. U.S. troops continue to become a more pressing issue.
Noise & Health shared a study that broke down the undeniable and troubling connection. As the researchers explained, the reasoning or means behind the auditory issues might have slightly shifted over the years, but the problem remains the same. The article that was first shared in 2015 revealed some startling statistics.
For instance, “deployment has been observed to increase the risk of hearing loss, with 71% of soldiers returning from Iraq or Afghanistan reporting exposure to loud noise, and more than 15% of returnees reporting ringing in their ears.”
It is no wonder that hearing loss is the leading most common disability linked to service-related work.
How Can We Support U.S. Troops?
During the current times, it is reported that “more than 1.25 million veterans suffer from hearing loss, with nearly two million suffering from tinnitus.” There is no question about it. This is a jarring and severe issue for members of the U.S. troops.
Luckily, Duncan Hearing Healthcare is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment if you or a loved one is concerned about hearing loss symptoms.
