This article has been corrected*
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has long supported the health of service members, past and present. Here’s how you can file for hearing care benefits.
A Long History
“The United States has the most comprehensive system of assistance for veterans of any nation in the world, with roots that can be traced back to 1636, when the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony were at war with the Pequot [tribe]. The Pilgrims passed a law that stated that disabled soldiers would be supported by the colony.”
So says the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website—making the VA one of the oldest government institutions in U.S. history, predating even the establishment of the United States. In the late 1980s, the name changed from Veterans Administration, though the acronym remained the same.
The VA hearing aid program began in the 1950s following World War II, after the number of veterans requiring hearing aids as a result of their service sharply increased.
Eligibility
Veterans are eligible to get hearing aids through the VA. The term “veteran“ applies to service members who have been discharged, having served honorably in the arm forces for practically any length of time. Hearing loss and related conditions, such as tinnitus, may not be diagnostically discernable until years after your service, but you will still be able to get your hearing tested and to receive hearing aids if needed.
You are at greater risk for hearing loss and other hearing problems if you:
Were near gunfire, aircraft, or loud motors;
Handled guns, mortars, explosives, or other loud weapons;
Were required to wear earmuffs or sound dampeners when doing your job;
Operated heavy machinery;
Experienced any incidents with sudden loud noise, such as coming under fire or being near an IED (improvised explosive device) that exploded;
Experienced a head injury.
Hearing Aids Through the VA
In a change from several years ago, your hearing loss does not have to be service-connected for you to be eligible for hearing aids through the VA. What’s more, the VA is able to order hearing aids in bulk so veterans are eligible for hearing aids over a specific time period for free, versus the $2,400 per hearing aid cost through a private-practice audiologist or ENT.
Contact the VA
To apply for VA benefits, go to va.gov/vaforms and search for “Form 10-10EZ” (Application for Health Benefits). You can complete and submit the form online.
If you have questions, call 1-877-222-VETS (8387); TDD 1-800-829-4833; or visit your local VA healthcare facility. Find the closest location to you at va.gov/directory.
Portions of this article were adapted with permission from Say What Hearing, which provides resources about hearing aids, hearing loss, and tinnitus. For references, see hhf.org/fall2019-references.
*From the editor: We deeply regret the errors in this article and apologize for any confusion the erroneous information may have caused. Service members do not need to prove their hearing condition is service-related, nor is there a cost for hearing aids received through the VA. We have updated the online version of this article.
