Veterans Information

The Department of Veterans Affairs reports hearing damage is the most common disability for veterans. An estimated 58,000 veterans have returned from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom with hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). That damage is permanent for many veterans.

The Governor’s Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) was established in 2001 to provide expertise related to Marylanders with hearing loss and to facilitate their ability of access resources and services. This includes providing information and support for Maryland’s servicemen and women who have lost their hearing.

Quick Facts about Veterans and Hearing Loss:

Exposure to more than 85 decibels continuously or 140 decibels for any length of time can damage hearing. A rifle can produce 160 decibels of sound.
According to military audiology reports, 60% of US personnel exposed to the powerful roadside blasts suffer permanent hearing loss and 49% also suffer from tinnitus.
Currently, there are more than 445,000 veterans receiving compensation for hearing loss associated with military service, and 395,000 receiving compensation for service-related tinnitus.