(Here a military person working in Northern India came with hearing loss after otitis media with effusion and getting treated in Jubilee Hospital Trivandrum in South India.Since I have worked in a military hospital for 18 years, I know what all damage can happen for the soldiers.)
Ear Related disorders like hearing loss, tinnitus, ruptured ear drum and barotrauma are common in the military force. The sense of hearing in military personnel is important as it is crucial for communication. Hearing loss is truly a disability. Soldiers are exposed to hazardous noise, gun fire and bomb blasts and it can damage their ears. The Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) can be temporary or permanent. There can be disturbing noises in the ear, called tinnitus. They often don\’t protect the ears by ear defenders while firing, the reason they feel that the hearing protection negatively affects their ability to do their job and complete their missions.
Good quality earplugs designed to make it easier for troops to protect their ears are available. The challenge is getting every soldier to wear the ear plugs.
Bomb blasts, howling engines, growling generators and the deafening roar of military aircraft have made the war zones noisy enough to damage soldiers’ hearing. An estimated 25 % soldiers have reported experiencing some change in their hearing, or dizziness or ringing of the ears, according to Army audiologists.
Hearing loss and tinnitus are among the most common forms of disability among military veterans.Once they loose their hearing, by nerve damage,hearing aid must be considered.
