{"id":31231,"date":"2021-05-15T10:26:28","date_gmt":"2021-05-15T14:26:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/losgatosaudiology.com\/?p=31231"},"modified":"2021-05-15T10:26:28","modified_gmt":"2021-05-15T14:26:28","slug":"veterans-and-hearing-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/losgatosaudiology.com\/veterans-and-hearing-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Veterans and Hearing Loss"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hearing loss<\/a> is a pervasive chronic condition that reduces the ability to absorb and process sound. Veterans are particularly vulnerable to developing hearing loss as a result of exposure to loud noise. Hearing loss and tinnitus \u2013 a buzzing or ringing-like noise in the ears \u2013 disproportionately impacts veterans. In fact, the <\/span>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<\/span><\/i> estimates that veterans are 30% more likely to develop hearing loss than nonveterans. Additionally, 3 million veterans received disability compensation for hearing healthcare related to tinnitus and\/or hearing loss management in 2017. Hearing loss and tinnitus can be effectively managed so that you can navigate daily life with greater ease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Noise Induced Hearing Loss & Veterans<\/b><\/h2>\n

Hearing loss can be caused by several factors including loud noise. One time or consistent exposure to loud noise can damage critical parts of the auditory system which is how we hear and make sense of what we hear. Specifically, loud noise can damage the hair cells in the inner ear. There are thousands of hair cells in each ear that work to translate incoming soundwaves into electrical signals. These signals are then carried to the brain where they are further processed and assigned meaning to; allowing us to understand what we hear. Loud noise can overwork these hair cells, causing them to lose sensitivity and\/or die. Unlike other types of cells, hair cells in the inner ear do not regenerate. We are born with all the hair cells we will ever have and there are no medical interventions to restore them. This means that any damage is permanent, resulting in hearing loss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sound is measured in units referred to as decibels and noise that exceeds 85 decibels is considered potentially dangerous for hearing. 85 decibels is the equivalent of busy city traffic or household appliances like a blender. Veterans are exposed to noise exceedingly above 85dB which significantly increases their risk of developing hearing loss. This includes:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n