The link between tinnitus and hearing damage in service members

Military service exposes personnel to intense noise levels that can cause lasting auditory damage, making hearing loss and tinnitus among the most prevalent service-related injuries. Understanding these conditions and the support available is essential for current and former service members dealing with the lasting effects of their service.

1. Understanding Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external noise is present, often described as ringing, buzzing, or whistling in the ears. According to recent UK statistics, tinnitus affects up to 30% of military veterans, twice the prevalence rate in the non-veteran population, making it the most common service-connected disability among veterans. The condition is intrinsically linked to noise-induced hearing loss, which occurs when delicate structures in the inner ear are damaged by prolonged or sudden exposure to loud sounds. Research shows that 14% of infantry soldiers returning from Afghanistan in 2007-08 suffered from hearing loss, whilst since 2011, hearing loss has been a primary or contributing factor in 9% of all medical discharges from the UK armed forces.

2. Causes of Hearing Damage in the Military

Service members face numerous sources of hazardous noise during their careers, including gunfire, explosive devices, aircraft engines, and heavy machinery. Single acoustic events such as explosions can cause immediate damage, whilst repeated exposure to high-decibel environments gradually deteriorates hearing over time. Even with hearing protection, prolonged exposure to extreme noise levels can cause irreversible damage to the auditory system. Current military protocols emphasise the importance of hearing protection, but the challenging environments in which forces operate mean that adequate protection isn't always feasible, particularly during combat operations or emergency situations where immediate response takes precedence over protective measures.

3. The Impact of Tinnitus and Hearing Damage on Daily Life

The effects of military-related hearing damage go far beyond the auditory system and also impact veterans' quality of life. Research indicates that 10% of surveyed veterans report that their hearing loss or tinnitus severely impacts their quality of life, with 43% experiencing substantial effects. The conditions can severely hamper communication, leading to social isolation and relationship difficulties. Veterans with hearing difficulties are nearly twice as likely to be unemployed as their civilian peers, showing the economic impact of these conditions. Additionally, 23% of veterans describe their tinnitus as severely distressing at its worst, contributing to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders amongst affected service members.

4. Diagnosis, Support, and Military Hearing Loss Claims

The NHS provides support for tinnitus and hearing loss, offering assessment, treatment options, and coping strategies for those affected. Veterans can access specialist support through organisations like the UK Veterans Hearing Foundation, which provides funding for hearing aids and tinnitus management. For compensation, military hearing loss claims can be pursued for service after 2005 or the War Pension Scheme for earlier service.According to the Royal British Legion, veterans have seven years from discharge to submit claims and must show hearing loss of 50 decibels or more in both ears to qualify for compensation. All hearing loss awards automatically include compensation for associated tinnitus, though no separate award is given for tinnitus alone.

The journey from service-related noise exposure to managing hearing difficulties can be challenging, but support systems exist to help veterans go through both the medical and legal aspects of their conditions, making sure that they receive the care and compensation they deserve.