A clinic in the Phoenix Veteran’s Affairs Health Care System is opening its doors to veterans nationwide who have suffered one of the most common afflictions faced by veterans – tinnitus.
Tinnitus – which is more commonly referred to as simply “a ringing in the ears” – is common among adults and a major health issue for veterans returning from Iraq or Afghanistan. Statistically, one in 10 adults have tinnitus, and the number is much higher among veterans. During the 2009-10 fiscal year, it was the most claimed disability connected to service, according to VA records.
For most soldiers, tinnitus results from exposure to extremely loud noises, often from improvised explosive devices or gunfire. Most sufferers describe it as an auditory sensation that comes from within the ear, sort of a constant ringing noise. Tinnitus results when tiny hairs inside the ear that normally create electrical signals in response to sound waves begin to produce signals without corresponding external sounds.
Loudness varies between patients. Those who describe theirs as a “soft” noise may be able to ignore it, but those who have extreme tinnitus often cannot. Many suffer from lack of concentration, difficulty sleeping and emotional reactions due to their tinnitus. It is also associated with hearing loss.
The auditory clinic in the Phoenix VA system previously added staff and hours because of the increased numbers of soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq complaining of tinnitus. Starting in January, however, it will begin a national tinnitus program called Progressive Tinnitus Management to help all veterans suffering from tinnitus.
Hearing specialists and mental health specialists will work to treat soldiers. Tinnitus treatment can be complex to treat, as many react differently to the constant ringing tone. Some can be treated with special sounds, hearing aids and in-ear devices, while others will nee to undergo training and mental health sessions to help them deal with their tinnitus. The clinic also can suggest a variety of self-help techniques, which can be very helpful for those who are having trouble handling the constant noise.
There is currently no surgery available to treat tinnitus, so management is the only way to help those afflicted.
The VA had been conducting extensive research regarding tinnitus for five years before the opening of the clinic.
James G. Fausone is a Veterans disability lawyer and Veterans attorney with Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC. Learn more at http://www.legalhelpforveterans.com.
