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Start Free Hearing TestSupporting Veterans with Hearing Loss, One Test at a Time
Hearing loss is one of the most common service-related health conditions among veterans with more than 3.6 million U.S. veterans receiving disability benefits for hearing-related conditions. Many veterans have spent years exposed to hazardous noise levels during their service. Audicus works with VA locations nationwide with many of our audiologists having the privilege of working directly with veterans navigating hearing loss.
Hearing Loss & Veterans Quick Stats:
- 1.3 million U.S. veterans receiving disability benefits for hearing loss as of 2020 (Source: Veterans Affairs)
- 2.3 million U.S. veterans receiving disability benefits for tinnitus as of 2020 (Source: Veterans Affairs)
- 3x higher rate of tinnitus in active duty service members from 2001 to 2015 (Source: Incidence Rates of Tinnitus in Active Duty Military Service Members, American Journal of Audiology)
Why is Hearing Loss so Common Among Veterans?
Experts warn that repeated exposure to sounds around 85 decibels (dB) is when the risks of permanent damage and noise-induced hearing loss begins, especially with prolonged exposure. Sounds reaching the 90-100 dB range increases risks with damage happening faster and when noise levels go above 100 dB, even short exposures are high risk for hearing loss.
For context on noise levels in a military setting: Heavy machinery and armored vehicles often operate above 85 dB, helicopter sounds may be in the 95–105 dB range while military aircraft can exceed 130 dB during takeoff and gunfire or artillery blasts could hit 140 dB or higher depending on proximity. After spending months or years exposed to aircrafts, weapons, combat zones, heavy machinery, transportation vehicles and unexpected blasts, it’s unsurprising that hearing loss is one of the most common long-term health conditions affecting both veterans and active service members.
Audicus Audiologist Reflections: Supporting Veterans With Hearing Loss
Audicus is honored to support veterans through our audiologists’ work with the VA helping more veterans test their hearing and qualify for hearing loss benefits. Audicus currently has 23 audiologists actively supporting Veteran Affairs locations nationwide across 29 cities and 16 states.
Audicus audiologists have spent over 3,000 hours working directly with veterans and often say this experience has been the most meaningful work of their careers. In honor of Memorial Day this year, we asked our audiologists Dr. Samantha Dart and Dr. Eli Hernandez to share what it’s been like helping veterans with hearing loss.
What is it Like Working With Veterans?
“I’ve already seen 800 Veterans since starting in July 2025 and I love it! I feel honored to not only be able to connect with these men and women who have fought and defended our country but to help them get into the VA and receive the services they deserve. These veterans sacrificed their hearing (and their lives of course) serving our country and now it is my turn to help. Being able to help veterans hear better and improve their quality of life is the least I can do in return.” -Dr. Samantha Dart
“I have helped over 1,300 veterans with their disability exams. Knowing that we can assist them after their service to our country, is both rewarding and fulfilling.” -Dr. Eli Hernandez
“They teach me so much! I learn something new every day from the Veterans I work with which helps me be more knowledgeable and better at my job. Hearing all their different stories and adventures will never get old!” -Dr. Samantha Dart
How Do The Veterans Feel About Testing Their Hearing?
“A number of them project a very disciplined, hardened image. Although they often become personable and humorous once they become comfortable as we chat!” -Dr. Samantha Dart
“I'll always remember when a Veteran said to me, ‘I don't usually go this much into detail about my military history, but you clearly care about me and helping me and that's why I did. You made me feel comfortable which I really appreciate.’ Knowing I am creating a safe and comfortable place for them to be a little vulnerable was my goal and it is rewarding to know I am doing just that.” -Dr. Samantha Dart
“Several veterans have remarked that their appointment with Audicus felt safe and welcoming, allowing them to comfortably share details of their service and history.” -Dr. Eli Hernandez“I have had wonderful, open conversations with Veterans about their military history whose families have stated the Veteran typically wouldn't talk about it and it makes me grateful I can give them a safe space where they feel comfortable enough.” -Dr. Samantha Dart
What Has Surprised You About Working With Veterans?
“How many have never had a full hearing evaluation before!” -Dr. Samantha Dart
"I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how complimentary they are while remaining respectful and grateful of my work. Many of the Veterans will take an interest in me and the field of Audiology. They always treat me with the utmost respect. Even when they point out how young I am, it's always with admiration and respect that I am doing what I'm doing at my age!” -Dr. Samantha Dart
Any Memorable Moments That Have Stuck With You?
“One of the best interactions was when a Veteran who served in Korea and was in his 90s, brought in a large printed picture of the ship he served on. Being able to see the true size of not only the ship, but the mounted weaponry they were exposed to on a near daily basis put it more into perspective for me. I felt honored he felt comfortable enough to share that piece of his story with me.” -Dr. Samantha Dart
“There’s one moment with a veteran that was emotional yet memorable. A veteran told me how he lost his close friends while deployed in Vietnam. He stated every year, he honors them in an annual walk/hike and handcrafts walking sticks. After our appointment, he actually made me a walking stick from a tree in his yard as a token of appreciation for my assistance. It was one of the best gifts anyone has ever given me.” -Dr. Eli Hernandez
“I have received a few small trinkets, gifts and thank you cards and every single time it is so heartwarming. I always strive to make an impact so if even just one person thinks of me as someone who helped them, that's what matters.” -Dr. Samantha Dart
FAQs Related to Hearing Loss Among Veterans
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a sensation of hearing a sound inside their ear that isn’t caused by an external source. Many people describe tinnitus sounding like a ringing in the ears or a buzzing, hissing, clicking or whooshing sound. These sounds can be soft or loud, constant or occasional and may be heard in one or both ears.
What causes tinnitus?
Tinnitus can be caused by a wide range of causes. Some of the most common causes of tinnitus include: age-related hearing loss, underlying health conditions, ear infections or frequent exposure to loud environments.
Is noise-induced hearing loss permanent?
Unfortunately, most noise-related hearing loss is permanent . When inner ear cells are damaged by loud noise, they cannot regenerate or be repaired through medication or surgery.
