Hearing loss and tinnitus affects at least 36 million American. That number is expected to jump as an estimated 128,000 current military personnel are experiencing hearing damage and related medical problems.
The world is a noisy place. We all know that loud or sustained noise causes hearing loss. Chemicals, prescription and non-prescription drugs, ear buds, illness, age, and head injuries can also cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and vestibular problems. The number of Americans dealing with these problems is growing much faster than the number of medical professionals available to assess and treat these problems.
Combat induced hearing and associated problems are swelling the number of Americans in need of care from audiologists and other related caregivers. Conversely, the military has cut the number audiologists available to assess and treat military personnel, both in war zones and domestically. The number of medical professionals needed, will continue to escalate as former military personnel age.
Please read the following articles for more information about hearing loss.
Following are links to careers as an audiologist and other hearing loss professions.