By the Numbers: 5 May 2025
3 million
The number of veterans receiving VA compensation for tinnitus, making it "the most prevalent service-connected disability among veterans," according to a recent article in JAMA Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery: Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Tinnitus: Recommendations From the US VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline Work Group.
Tinnitus and hearing loss in veterans and service members are sometimes associated with military noise (eg, gunfire, military vehicles); chemical (eg, solvents) exposures; otoacoustic trauma caused by bombs and blast exposure; traumatic brain injury (TBI); physical injuries, such as head or neck trauma; and structural damage to the auditory system (eg, perforated tympanic membranes). Tinnitus and hearing loss acquired during military service might be exacerbated by subsequent exposure to nonmilitary risk factors (eg, recreational gunfire, power tools, machinery, and music). Tinnitus is usually irreversible, so affected service members and veterans might face a lifetime of clinical care to manage problems associated with tinnitus.
3 million
The number of veterans receiving VA compensation for tinnitus, making it "the most prevalent service-connected disability among veterans," according to a recent article in JAMA Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery: Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Tinnitus: Recommendations From the US VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline Work Group.
Tinnitus and hearing loss in veterans and service members are sometimes associated with military noise (eg, gunfire, military vehicles); chemical (eg, solvents) exposures; otoacoustic trauma caused by bombs and blast exposure; traumatic brain injury (TBI); physical injuries, such as head or neck trauma; and structural damage to the auditory system (eg, perforated tympanic membranes). Tinnitus and hearing loss acquired during military service might be exacerbated by subsequent exposure to nonmilitary risk factors (eg, recreational gunfire, power tools, machinery, and music). Tinnitus is usually irreversible, so affected service members and veterans might face a lifetime of clinical care to manage problems associated with tinnitus.