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Sue, I am thinking about contacting the VA. While in VietNam I walked past a 875MM gun emplacement in An Khe. I was walking about 35 yards from the emplacement and didn't know it was even there. An outgoing shot was fired and the shock wave hit me and almost knocked me down. I then walked into the Mess tent (food hall) and realized that I was deaf - couldn't hear anything. After a short time my hearing returned but then the ringing or Tinnitus started. When I was leaving the Army I had a complete physical and they determined that I did have a hearing losss but not enough to grant a disability payment. I was OK with that. Fast forward 35 years and I am now virtually deaf in my left ear and my right ear is maybe 60% functional. My ears ring 24/7 and at times it is so loud that I cannot hear anything without the hearing aids. I have acclimated to the ringing but it has increased dramatically in the last 2 years and I want to try the Opticon hearing aids. I am getting really good feedback about the quality of the sound.
Thanks so much for asking about my situation. I will keep you updated on my status.
Replies to "Sue, I am thinking about contacting the VA. While in VietNam I walked past a 875MM..."
You might consider an evaluation for a coclear ear implant in your deaf ear. I had the surgery last July and the results are truly amazing. I have the implant on the left side and wear a Resound aid in my right ear. Before surgery, I could never carry on a conversation if there was more than one person in the room and could never understand a speaker during church services. Now I hear most every word. Still have some trouble in noisy situations, but this has been a real blessing for me.
Please go to the VA. My husband is 76, and just got into the VA. He has tinnitus since being in the army. You totally deserve at least a 10% disability, and the VA will hook you up with top of the line hearing aids.
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I encourage you to contact the VA. It wasn't until more recent conflicts that hearing loss and tinnitus were recognized as the most common disabling conditions experienced by veterans returning from combat zones. Regardless of where you get the hearing instruments, it is likely they will help a great deal. They don't 'cure' hearing loss, but a well fit pair will make a positive difference. Please let us know what you do, and how the VA responds. And thank you for your service.