Help With My Audiogram

[PappyD]

I am trying to determine beforehand if I have a hearing loss severe enough to qualify for some type of compensation. I have attached my audiogram, done in 2008. I do wear a hearing aid in my left ear and benefit from it's use. Quick history- 53 year old male, 23 years active and reserve duty. Will receive retirement benefits at age 60. Active army from 79-83 in tank battalions. (Where the damage occurred) Remainder of service in reserves. Office job as a civilian.

I have requested my medical records. I believe my PULHES score went from 1 to 2 on my leaving active duty in 1983. I also remember many instances where I was exposed to main gun/cannon fire without protection on gunnery ranges. I kind of knew I had some loss but just figured I had been a tanker and that hearing loss was just part of it. I also have a constant ringing (tinnutis?) that bothers me- especially at night. I did stsrt sleeping with a fan on which helps a great deal. Again, I just figured this just came with the territory.

Some of the references I have looked at would interpret my loss as compensable, but other references refer to the Speech Discrimination as key to any claims. I'm not sure how to interpret my score. The audiogram shows 100/55 and 100/60 in the right and left ears. The bottom number is masking, which I'm not sure of what that measures. Part of of my reason for seeing an audiologist was that I would misinterpret what people would say..."Get my coat" would sound like "get my Goat" etc. So I question the validity of the Speech Discrimination number.

After beginning to wear the hearing aid (not obtained through the VA) I would come in contact with other vets who encouraged me to "make a claim". I have begun filling out the VA Form 21-526 and await the medical records. The county VA office said fill out the form then make an appointment with them.

Any suggestions? Comments?

Thanks for your time.

Pappy

Hearing1.pdf

[JustPLS]

Thanks Justriuk,

I'm learning a great deal from this website too....Anyone else care to comment?

Pappy

Pappy - I apologize for appearing like I'm trying to steal your thread. I really had no intention of doing that. Since the subject was hearing and tinnitus, I just threw out my question. I should have started a new thread, and I'm sorry.

Good luck on your claims.

Edited August 20, 2010 by JustPLS

[stillhere]

I am trying to determine beforehand if I have a hearing loss severe enough to qualify for some type of compensation. I have attached my audiogram, done in 2008. I do wear a hearing aid in my left ear and benefit from it's use. Quick history- 53 year old male, 23 years active and reserve duty. Will receive retirement benefits at age 60. Active army from 79-83 in tank battalions. (Where the damage occurred) Remainder of service in reserves. Office job as a civilian.

I have requested my medical records. I believe my PULHES score went from 1 to 2 on my leaving active duty in 1983. I also remember many instances where I was exposed to main gun/cannon fire without protection on gunnery ranges. I kind of knew I had some loss but just figured I had been a tanker and that hearing loss was just part of it. I also have a constant ringing (tinnutis?) that bothers me- especially at night. I did stsrt sleeping with a fan on which helps a great deal. Again, I just figured this just came with the territory.

Some of the references I have looked at would interpret my loss as compensable, but other references refer to the Speech Discrimination as key to any claims. I'm not sure how to interpret my score. The audiogram shows 100/55 and 100/60 in the right and left ears. The bottom number is masking, which I'm not sure of what that measures. Part of of my reason for seeing an audiologist was that I would misinterpret what people would say..."Get my coat" would sound like "get my Goat" etc. So I question the validity of the Speech Discrimination number.

After beginning to wear the hearing aid (not obtained through the VA) I would come in contact with other vets who encouraged me to "make a claim". I have begun filling out the VA Form 21-526 and await the medical records. The county VA office said fill out the form then make an appointment with them.

Any suggestions? Comments?

Thanks for your time.

Pappy

Pappy I too am a hearing loss veteran. If you are rated disabled by the VA then you can call audiology at your local VAMC and they will test your ears for you and give you hearing aids if needed.

As far as filing I would go have the tests first and see where that leads. Audiology with my VAMC is very good and they give the vets the top of the line aides with no charges.They will explain your test results and recommend to you what to do.

I have worn an aide for my left ear since 1983 and the VA did not take over till 2005 but they have been very good to me since and has not cost me a dime!

Good Luck to you!