Hearing Loss

WHAT TO EXPECT:
APPLYING FOR DVA COVERAGE FOR HEARING LOSS AND TINNITUS

**This is a blog that was written by Matthew Box of Ritchey Hearing here in Woodstock**

If you have served in the Armed Forces, Reserves, Militia, Cadets etc then you may be eligible for hearing aid coverage or tinnitus compensation from the Department of Veteran Affairs.

The first step is to call DVA 1-877-228-2250 if you know your service number or 1-866-522-2122 if you do not remember your service number.

Tell them you would like to apply for Hearing loss and or Tinnitus coverage. Tinnitus is also known as “ringing in your ears”. They will ask you a few questions and will mail out forms that will need to be completed by your Audiologist.

Next make an appointment with a Certified Audiologist to test your hearing, complete a tinnitus assessment and help you complete the forms. There will be a “Medical Questionnaire for Hearing Loss / Ear Conditions” and also one for “Tinnitus”. DVA will be billed directly for the cost of the test and reports whether you are accepted or not.

You will receive confirmation or denial to whether your claim has been accepted.
If accepted, contact your Audiologist and they will help you select which hearing aids will best suit you and your lifestyle. Some hearing aids have tinnitus maskers built right into them to help mask over the ringing in your ears.

Your Hearing Health Professionals, Audiologists or Hearing Instrument Specialists, will then fit your hearing aids to you personally. It is important to pick a Hearing Care Provider that is certified and has a good reputation for providing quality products and services. As you get use to wearing your hearing aids, you will need to work with your provider for fine tuning in order to get the hearing aids set for you. They will also teach you how to look after your hearing aids and how to get the most out of wearing hearing aids. All hearing aids come with a 90 day trial period, so this gives you enough time to really “test drive” the aids to ensure they are working for you. It is a big adjustment and it takes 4-5 months for your brain to completely adjust to wearing hearing aids. Your brain needs to relearn certain sounds and cues and this all takes time. DVA also pays for your hearing aid batteries, dry kits, wax removal and replaces your hearing aids every 4 years if needed. Many assistive listening devices such as “TV EARS” are also covered.

There is a lot of research to support the use of hearing aids when you have a hearing loss, even if it is mild. It is important to keep the “hearing centers” in your brain active as a preventative to isolation, depression and dementia.

Don’t waste any more time, get your hearing tested today!!!

Matthew Box, MSC.Aud(C) Certified Audiologist