Aeromedical Research Lab (USAARL)
Ft. Rucker, AL
It’s been a long time since we’ve had Army Audiology involved in research at USAARL. Thanks to the powers past and present that have kept our presence here. The acoustics research program at USAARL is moving forward thanks to leadership in the lab and the interest and expertise of our section director, Dr. Bill Ahroon.
Some of the research we’re working on focuses on the effectiveness of various types and combinations of hearing protection devices aimed principally at the army aviator. Most Army Audiologists are probably aware by now of the success USAARL and the aviation community have had with the Communications Earplug (CEP) in reducing noise hazards to the aviator while simultaneously enhancing radio communication. If you’re not familiar with this technology, I encourage you to visit our web site, (look under “AP Division”) or the web site of one of the manufacturers of the CEP, to find out more about it. This technology has additional applicationin other areas, which are currently being investigated.
Looking forward to meeting with you all again and getting to know the new 72Cs that have come on board since I went underground.
Dale
NHCA
As president of the National Hearing Conservation Association (effective 25-Feb-01), I am going to be looking to military audiologists for increased membership and participation in the organization. I’m also happy to report the election of Maj Tressie Waldo as the newly elected Secretary of NHCA. Congratulations, Tressie.
Doug
Europe
It has been a busy year for Army Audiologists and the Hearing Conservation Program in Europe.
CPT Rhonda Fleener and Mr. Wayne Loyborg were successful in getting two command emphasis memoranda published; one from GEN Meigs, the USAREUR Commander and one from BG Ursone, the European Regional Medical Commander. It is hoped that these letters will call attention to the Hearing Conservation Program and result in the prevention of hearing loss in our soldiers assigned to the European Theater.
Mr. Wayne Loyborg deployed on two occasions, once to Bosnia and once to Kosovo, to access the need for the establishment of hearing conservation services in the Balkans. The CHPPM – Europe will be purchasing an audiometric test booth for the new medical treatment facility at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo and DOEHRS-HC systems will be provided to medical facilities in both Bosnia and Kosovo.
Here at CHPPM – Europe, we were successful in the establishment of a military officer authorization with duty at Heidelberg to cover Hearing Conservation within the Heidelberg MEDDAC footprint. This is the first position of its kind to be established, where an Army officer will be assigned to CHPPM with a primary duty of being a Program Manager in direct support of the hearing conservation program. COL Dennis promises a fill for this newly established position in summer 2001.
Veterans Administration
VA Benefits
What are the advantages of the VA’s Hearing Aid Program?
- As a retiree, you’ll have to purchase your hearing aids at the Military Treatment Facility (MTF); at the VA you’ll get the same aids for free.
- The VA uses the same state-of-the-art hearing aids that as the other MTFs.
- The VA will mail batteries to your home whenever you need them.
- The VA will provide free repairs for the life of your hearing aid.
- You may register your military or self-purchased hearing aids with the VA and they will provide batteries and repairs for those aids as well!
- The VA is authorized to provide a spare or backup hearing aid.
- The VA may provide a range of other assistive listening devices on a case-by-case basis.
- The VA provides high quality Audiology care to eligible veterans throughout the country. There are over 150 VA hearing aid issuing centers, so you’re likely to have a clinic close to your home no matter where you live.
VA Benefits
If you are a veteran and you meet any one of the following conditions, you may be eligible to receive free hearing aids from the VA:
- You were evaluated by the VA and found to have a “Service Connected” ear or hearing problem, even if you are not receiving disability payments (i.e., you were rated at 0%)
- You are currently receiving payments from the VA for ANY Service Connected disability (not necessarily hearing related)
- You received a Purple Heart
- You are a former POW
- You served in WWI
If you are not sure about your VA status, your audiologist may be able to help you.
Courtesy of Gerald Schuchman, PhD
LTC USAR
202 782-8573