Listen Up Veterans: The Importance of Audiology for Health and Well-being
How often have you caught yourself mishearing or becoming frustrated for asking people to repeat what they said, or you may have told yourself, “I can hear fine; people are just mumbling”. It may be time to visit your audiologist!
Veterans are at a higher risk for hearing-related issues compared to the general population. In a conversation with Tomah VA’s audiologist, Dr. Tammy Dummermuth, she explained, “Exposure to loud noises like gunfire, explosions, or engines during military service can lead to a specific type of hearing damage that makes speech unclear. The noise exposure can also cause tinnitus which is a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sensation in the ears. Both hearing loss and tinnitus may be distressing and impact daily activities.” Dr. Dummermuth has devoted the last two decades of her professional career to addressing these crucial issues to improve Veterans' quality of life, communication abilities, and mental health.
Tomah VA Medical Center offers audiology services at all five locations to address these concerns. Services include hearing evaluation, state-of-the-art hearing devices, other assistive devices, tinnitus management, counseling, and education.
No referral is needed to get started. Veterans just need to be enrolled in VA healthcare and can call to make an appointment. Correcting hearing loss improves communication, reduces misunderstandings, and enhances social interactions. It also enriches quality of life by allowing Veterans to engage in activities they may have avoided. Additionally, addressing hearing loss can help prevent isolation and depression, promoting overall well-being.
Furthermore, audiologists at the Tomah VA emphasized that all Veterans should take advantage of the opportunity to undergo a comprehensive hearing test. The team expressed their commitment to ensuring the hearing health of Veterans, highlighting how regular assessments can lead to better communication and an improved quality of life.
It's a great day to schedule your hearing test! Get started by calling the Tomah VA Medical Center at 608-372-1291.