Audiology & Speech Pathology Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why do I hear, but don’t understand especially around background noise?

With age it becomes harder to hear high frequency sounds in words such as the f, s, and th sounds.Speech becomes distorted, and it gets more difficult to separate important sounds from unwanted sounds due to deterioration in the inner ear and along the hearing pathway in the brain.

  1. Why do I have ringing in the ears?

Exposure to loud noise and hearing loss are the most common causes for tinnitus, but can also be associated with excessive earwax, ear infection, or other ear conditions, blood pressure or heart disease, medications, head or neck injuries, and stress.

  1. How do I clean my ears?

You can use a wash cloth and with your finger run along the inside of your ear without sticking anything down the ear canal such as a Q-tip or cotton swab, bobby pin, paper clip, key, or crochet hook.Most often ears clean themselves.Earwax, technically known as cerumen, is produced in the outer third of the ear canal by excretions from sweat and oil glands.Earwax combines with dead skin and dirt, and works its way out of the ear canal.It is a protective mechanism for dryness and itchiness, infection, and insects.

  1. Can I get a hearing aid from the VA?

Hearing aids are issued to eligible veterans who are otherwise receiving VA care or services in accordance with 38 CFR §17.149 and VHA Directive 1034.

  1. What kind of hearing aids can I get at the VA?

VA offers a variety of hearing aid selections from the simplest to the most advanced technological instruments on the market.They have contracted with world-leading hearing aid companies such as Bernafon, GN ReSound, Oticon, Phonak, Siemens, Sonic Innovations, Starkey, and Unitron.

  1. How much do hearing aids cost?

Hearing aids at the VA are provided at no additional cost.The only associated cost may be a Co-pay for an office visit in a Specialty clinic depending on eligibility status.

  1. What does having a pacemaker have to do with wearing hearing aids?

Some hearing aids communicate together wirelessly for easier manageability as well as improved sound processing especially in noisy listening situations.In addition, bluetooth accessories are available to connect hearing aids wirelessly to devices such as cell phone, TV, and other audio devices.Certain types of wireless communication may not be compatible with heart pacemakers, and clearance from the Cardiologist would be required prior to their use.

  1. How do I get a hearing aid from the VA?

It is VHA policy that all enrolled Veterans and those Veterans exempt from enrollment are eligible for medical services that include diagnostic audiology services, and the prescription and provision of hearing aids will be furnished to all eligible Veterans in accordance with the parameters and criteria defined in VHA Directive 2008-070.Referral to Audiology for a comprehensive hearing test is initiated by Primary Care.

  1. How do I get hearing aid batteries from the VA?

Hearing aid batteries can be ordered by mail, by phone, by email, or online after the hearing aids have been registered or issued by the VA.

  1. How long should hearing aid batteries last?

Hearing aid batteries are made of Zinc-air and the life will vary depending on size of battery, power output of hearing aid, and hours of use.Clickherefor access to Frequently Asked Questions Standard Zinc Air Hearing Aid Batteries courtesy of Phonak Hearing Instruments. *This link will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs Web site. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked web site.

  1. Can a hearing aid be replaced if lost or damaged?

VA hearing aids come with a one-time replacement warranty due to loss or damage for the first two years.After that, hearing aids may be replaced if destroyed or lost due to circumstances beyond the Veteran’s control.Determination of need to replace a hearing aid will be made by the audiologist. Hearing aids will not be replaced in case of neglect, abuse or excessive loss.

  1. How often can hearing aids be replaced?

Hearing aids are not replaced solely for cosmetic purposes.Per VHA Directive 2008-070 hearing aids may be replaced when:

  1. the device proves to be ineffective, irreparable, or the Veteran’s medical condition changed and a different device is needed;
  2. the device was destroyed or lost due to circumstances beyond the Veteran’s control;
  3. there is evidence that newer hearing aid technology will significantly benefit the Veteran;
  4. change of amplification characteristics are required to maintain or improve communication needs;
  5. the age of the device exceeds the expected life span of 4-5 years.The longevity of a hearing aid will depend on the model or style, daily hours of use, wear and tear, frequency of repair and maintenance, ear conditions, and user lifestyle.
  1. How do I apply for service connection for hearing loss?

To initiate a claim for service connection for hearing loss or any other health concern anapplication is obtained from the Veterans Service Officer (VSO)usually located at the Court House of the Veteran’s county of residence.Click for link to list ofCounty Service Officers in Arkansas, the Service Officer Locator for Missouri, and Find a Veteran Service Representative for Oklahoma.