Can You Hear Me Now: The Leading Army Injury & Disability
Abstract
The astounding 319 percent increase, since 2001, in disability payments for auditory dysfunction, the most prevalent individual service-connected disability, is indicative that the Army must do more to prevent and mitigate that dysfunction. Data show that 51.8 percent of combat soldiers sustain moderately severe or worse hearing loss, with the potential for handicaps like depression and impaired cognitive function. This hearing loss is attributable to blast exposure, noise-induced damage, or ototoxic medications. The strategic implications of hearing loss for the warfighter are magnified by the $1 billion in annual cost, which jeopardizes the Army's commitments to injured soldiers. Over the next 15 years, staggering demands will be placed on hearing healthcare by these veterans as they age among the estimated 78 million people transitioning to the over 50 age group. Auditory impairment of these highly trained, educated, and experienced soldiers impacts adversely their current health and readiness, highlighting the importance of hearing conservation given the astonishing rise in blast injuries from improvised explosive devices. Auditory impairment could be used as a proxy to identify undiagnosed mild Traumatic Brain Injury.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA543846
Entities
People
- Christie P. Smith
Organizations
- United States Army War College