St. Louis Suomi SASS #31905 Posted June 9, 2017 Share Posted June 9, 2017 Howdy: I went to the VA the other day (actually about a month ago). Normally I would have never gone but my hearing had deteriorated to the point of having the same hearing as a rock. A member of my church pointed out his "New" hearing aids which he received from the VA. He. like I, had served in the Republic of Viet Nam and had the same basic effects of agent orange etc. So, I said to myself "self, get thee to the VA to see if I can get a pair of hearing aids." After applying for a VA ID card (painless - filling out a EZ1010 form and bringing your DD214 to the center), I had to wait 10 days for my ID card. In a few more days a little red booklet came with my classification. I then made an appointment to see a Dr and get an appointment with the audiologist. I went in to the VA Hospital, took the hearing test and in less than 10 days I have a pair of hearing aids that cost about $7K. Now the good part, they work like a miracle. I cannot believe the acuity of these aids. I hear sounds that have been lost to me for 15 years. I normally have my car radio on at level 27-29. With the aids it is level 7-9. How good is that? Very good. The point of this rambling note is, if you are a vet and have the VN service medal AND the Vietnamese Service medal, you are eligible for some nifty benefits. Do yourself a favor. Use them. You will not be disappointed. The bad part - I can no longer say "I didn't hear you" to my wife when she has some task identified for me and I wish not to do it. (The Dr even helped me out on that one - "tell her the batteries were used up and you didn't notice it"). What a friend! :-) STL Suomi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life Posted June 9, 2017 Share Posted June 9, 2017 You also get free batteries. I also got a device that amplifies the TV sound directly to my hearing aids. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Widder, SASS #59054 Posted June 9, 2017 Share Posted June 9, 2017 I also have service connected hearing lose. And as Big Sage mentioned, you get free batteries. You may also be eligible for VA Disability rating, especially with any health issue that could be attributed to AO. A few years ago when I was tested, the Audiologist ask me why I think my hearing is bad. I told her I couldn't even hear water running when I'm in the shower. Really. Then she ask: "are you around loud noises". My reply: Well how in the world would I know! She was stunned at my reply but it was the truth. My hearing test showed that it takes more than 110 decibels for me to pick up most of the frequencies. She stated that her equipment will only push the volume up to 110 decibels, so she really couldn't tell how much worse my hearing might be. Like you, my hearing aids help A LOT, but I still have problems with words sounding 'garbled', so lip reading is still very important to me. ..........Widder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Riot Posted June 9, 2017 Share Posted June 9, 2017 For those of you that wear hearing aids (I will probably be taking my own advice someday soon) PLEASE still use hearing protection. Many times, and I do mean many, I have watched guys in the various shops I have worked in, turn their hearing aids down instead of wearing hearing protection. Not kidding here. I have a guy that works for me now that will be fabricating something and instead of putting on muffs or plugs just before he reaches for a grinder or operates a loud piece of equipment he'll turn his hearing down and the work away. I watched him do this nearly 4 years ago and I told him he should be wearing ear protection. He gave me a dirty look and told me "When I turn 'em down I can't hear the noise. Why don't you go back in your office. I have work to do." I did something he'll always remember from his new manager. I flipped him off as he started the grinder. He stopped, looked shocked, and I said "Do as you will but someday I will tell you 'I told you so" About a year ago I did say "I told you so". He was complaining to his co-workers that "they" had to upgrade his hearing aids because his hearing was much worse. I overheard this as I was walking by the lunch room. I stepped in, he looked up, I flipped him off (again) and said "I told you so" and then I walked out. Now I see him using hearing protection all the time. And often, when he's putting on his muffs, he'll smile and flip me off. It makes me laugh. At least he remembers and he uses the muffs. That is the important thing. Don't further damage your hearing thinking that turning down a hearing aid is all you need to do, please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noz Posted June 9, 2017 Share Posted June 9, 2017 Essentially the same story but I was surprised to find out that hummingbirds chirp when they feed. My VA aids are wonderful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noah Cash Posted June 9, 2017 Share Posted June 9, 2017 I got my disability rating of 40% about 2 years ago and they gave me no added disability for the hearing loss. It is quite a coincidence that this thread started today, because a just about an hour ago I called a case worker at the local VA hospital (another SASS Shooter BTW) who is checking on my rating and trying to find out why there is no disability increase for the hearing loss. I am not a Viet Nam vet, however am an V/N ERA vet. Served 23 years AF, starting in 1971, and have never put a foot in any combat zone or hazardous duty location. Guess I always thought the guys and gals who were put in harms way deserved the benefits so much more than I. I know a few who are quick to claim V/N Vet and conveniently forget to use the term "ERA". Those who were "In Country" have my utmost respect, and BTW, welcome home guys!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St. Louis Suomi SASS #31905 Posted June 9, 2017 Author Share Posted June 9, 2017 Howdy: Yup - free batteries. I also have to use filters in my devices and they are for free. If you should ever break them or they fail to work - bring them in and they are repaired for Free. For my part, about three hours of effort got me all of this. I cannot believe how good it is to hear again. I will hear my grand kids - I could not before. That alone was worth the effort. If you qualify, run over to the VA - in any case, register, laws change. I wish I had done this much much earlier. And above advice of wearing hearing protection is absolutely sound advice - do not shortcut. STL Suomi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trailrider #896 Posted June 9, 2017 Share Posted June 9, 2017 I, too am VN ERA, having kept our "long range artillery" ready for launch should the capsule drivers ever got the "GO Code!" (Thank God that hasn't happened and we all hope it never will!) My hearing loss is due to noise damage...from shooting hunting rifles off duty and after my active duty tour. My veterans post commander who deals with the VA extensively, finally got me to go to the VA. After some paper hassles, they tested my hearing and my left ear is especially bad, but the right ear isn't any bargain, particularly in the higher frequency range. Got my aides, and they are great when I watch T.V., or around my wife. The left aide doesn't do anything for the left ear, but transmits the sound to the right side. The only drawback is when I'm in a large crowd, and they pick up background noise from all over. When I'm working in my office, I usually leave them both out or just use the right one. I do wear both custom-fitted earplugs and muffs on the firing line. Gotta save what's left of the ear bones. (No, I do NOT wear the aides when shooting, even though louder noise apparently shuts them down. I'm not wearing my aides right now SO WOULD YOUSE GUYS TYPE A LITTLE LOUDER! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life Posted June 9, 2017 Share Posted June 9, 2017 5 hours ago, Noah Cash said: I got my disability rating of 40% about 2 years ago and they gave me no added disability for the hearing loss. It is quite a coincidence that this thread started today, because a just about an hour ago I called a case worker at the local VA hospital (another SASS Shooter BTW) who is checking on my rating and trying to find out why there is no disability increase for the hearing loss. I am not a Viet Nam vet, however am an V/N ERA vet. Served 23 years AF, starting in 1971, and have never put a foot in any combat zone or hazardous duty location. Guess I always thought the guys and gals who were put in harms way deserved the benefits so much more than I. I know a few who are quick to claim V/N Vet and conveniently forget to use the term "ERA". Those who were "In Country" have my utmost respect, and BTW, welcome home guys!! My hearing loss in not service connected, but there is a relatively new program called Veterans Choice, If you live more than a certain distance (I think its 50 miles) from a VA facility you qualify. You are sent to a local Audiologist where they do everything. I am rated for 50% service connected for knee/ankle problems. Call 1-866-606-8198 for your Choice registration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackey Cole Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 Mine came with a blue tooth device for my phone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Four-Eyed Buck,SASS #14795 Posted June 10, 2017 Share Posted June 10, 2017 Eh???????.Mine isn't service related, work related though. My SIL is a 'Nam Era Vet, not the full ride, but enough to get her medical problems taken care of. She's on her second set from VA, when she uses them that is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazy Eeyour Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 This may apply to those who worked around jet fuel or jet exhaust. It might explain why your wife has to repeat things three times. https://www.research.va.gov/currents/spring2014/spring2014-11.cfm#.VMEzsNNXrJ6.facebook Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ventura Slim, SASS #35690 Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 My wife spends about 6k every 3 years on hearing aids, so thank goodness for those benefits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dustin Checotah Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 1 hour ago, Lazy Eeyour said: This may apply to those who worked around jet fuel or jet exhaust. It might explain why your wife has to repeat things three times. https://www.research.va.gov/currents/spring2014/spring2014-11.cfm#.VMEzsNNXrJ6.facebook That is interesting. While I am not service connected for hearing loss ( I didn't meet the thresholds ) I am service connected for tinnitus and vertigo. I was stationed on an aircraft carrier and we often could smell the fumes because the air intakes for the engine room were near the flight deck. We also at times had the taste of the fuel in our drinking water. I think we carried JP-5 but only 3.5 million gallons. I read enough of the article and they said JP-8 but maybe there is some connection. I worked between two 70,000 HP steam turbines so when we were making turns Or had the ships service turbine generators on line I had on earplugs minimum or muffs. When I bought a house after the Navy I used hearing protection while mowing the yard just to help in case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazy Eeyour Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 5 minutes ago, Dustin Checotah said: That is interesting. While I am not service connected for hearing loss ( I didn't meet the thresholds ) I am service connected for tinnitus and vertigo. I was stationed on an aircraft carrier and we often could smell the fumes because the air intakes for the engine room were near the flight deck. We also at times had the taste of the fuel in our drinking water. I think we carried JP-5 but only 3.5 million gallons. I read enough of the article and they said JP-8 but maybe there is some connection. I worked between two 70,000 HP steam turbines so when we were making turns Or had the ships service turbine generators on line I had on earplugs minimum or muffs. When I bought a house after the Navy I used hearing protection while mowing the yard just to help in case. I was an FT on CVA19 Vietnam era. Radar room was right behind the blast shield in the conning tower. Noise and fumes were every flight op. Keep up with the VA as your hearing deteriorates you will qualify. I mentioned this article to the VA when I was there for hearing aids. They replied not enough research. JP-5 is about the same as JP-8 as I understand it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Widder, SASS #59054 Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 One more suggestion, which helped me A LOT. My actual DD-214 stated that I had good hearing when I went into the NAVY. That might be one reason I was sent to RADIOMAN school. Then, when I got discharged, there was a small chart (with comments) placed on my DD-214 which showed hearing deterioration that occurred while in the NAVY. This info was used to show 'Service Connected' and I was quickly given 2 Audiology appointments to determine my disability rating. Those comments on my DD-214 helped me a lot. As mentioned above, the hearing aids help me, but sometimes they help me hear the 'garbled words' only louder, not clearer. ..........Widder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smoken D Posted June 11, 2017 Share Posted June 11, 2017 Don't forget to tell the audiologist that you do cowboy shooting and would like the molded hearing plugs. They put the puddy stuff in my ears, make the molds, and a few weeks later get them in the mail. Free and work great for me. They have me getting new hearing aids every 5 years. Order the batteries on line is easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Loco Posted June 12, 2017 Share Posted June 12, 2017 I'm still working with the VA on frequency selection. I want them to clip and block out my wife raising her voice, chainsaws, and barking dogs, but be able to hear my grand daughter's angelic voice. Any tips? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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