Tinnitus and Sensorineural hearing loss 

Information for Veterans and First Responders

Tinnitus and Sensorineural hearing loss 

Persistent ringing in the ears or challenges with hearing clarity can be life-altering, impacting day-to-day activities and emotional well-being.  

Veterans and first responders are particularly vulnerable to these conditions due to prolonged exposure to high noise levels during their service. 

Tinnitus refers to the perception of ringing or other noises in the ears when no external sound is present.  

Sensorineural hearing loss, on the other hand, involves damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, leading to difficulty hearing and understanding sounds. 

Provocatus understands the impact these conditions have on first responders and veterans. This page provides an overview of tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss, their symptoms, causes, and treatments, along with resources to support you in managing these conditions effectively. 

Tinnitus, often described as a ringing in the ears, can also manifest as buzzing, hissing, or other phantom noises. It is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying condition, such as noise-induced hearing loss or ear injury. 

Tinnitus symptoms: 

  • Persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds. 

  • Sensitivity to loud sounds. 

  • Difficulty concentrating or sleeping due to noise. 

What is tinnitus? 

Causes & Treatment Options

Tinnitus causes: 

  • Prolonged exposure to loud noises. 

  • Age-related hearing loss. 

  • Ear infections or injuries. 

  • Certain medications. 

  • Stress or anxiety making the noises seem louder. 

 

Treatment Options: 

  • Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT). 

  • Sound therapy. 

  • Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). 

  • Hearing aids. 

- Nigel RN, Veteran Health Nurse at Provocatus

“Veterans deserve our best care and support. The Veteran Access Scheme ensures that they receive the necessary treatments and services to improve their health and wellbeing.”

Understanding Sensorineural hearing loss  

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged. This condition affects the delivery of sound signals to the brain, making it hard to hear or understand speech, especially in noisy environments. 

Sensorineural hearing loss symptoms: 

  • Difficulty understanding conversations, particularly in background noise. 

  • Muffled or distorted hearing. 

  • Sudden or gradual hearing loss in one or both ears. 

Sensorineural hearing loss common causes: 

  • Prolonged exposure to loud noises. 

  • Aging (presbycusis). 

  • Viral infections affecting the inner ear. 

  • Neurological disorders. 

  • Medications damaging the auditory nerve. 

Sensorineural hearing loss treatment options: 

  • Hearing aids. 

  • Cochlear implants. 

  • Communication strategies such as lip reading

Veterans and first responders hearing health 

Veterans and first responders face distinct risks for tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss, often stemming from prolonged exposure to loud noises, blasts, or other occupational hazards in their service environments.  

These conditions can significantly affect daily life, from communication challenges to impacts on emotional wellbeing. 

The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) recognises these challenges and offers a range of support and compensation programs to assist veterans with service-related hearing conditions. Eligible veterans can access hearing assessments, treatments, and devices through initiatives like the Veteran Access Scheme™. 

Resources 

Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA):  Hearing Services and support. 

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care - Hearing Services Program. 

Australian Tinnitus Association (ATA): Guidance on managing tinnitus. 
Hearing Australia: Services for veterans with hearing issues.
Ear Science Institute Australia: Hearing health support and treatment options. 

FAQ’s

  • Sudden sensorineural hearing loss can indicate a medical emergency and may require prompt treatment. Seek immediate medical attention or call 000 in an emergency. 

    If you are experiencing ringing in your ears or difficulty hearing, consult your GP for an assessment. Early diagnosis and intervention can help manage symptoms effectively.  

    Contact us if you need assistance connecting with a healthcare professional.  

  • Provocatus supports veterans through the Veteran Access Scheme™.  

     

    We connect you with healthcare providers, offer resources for effective treatment, and help navigate support programs. 

     

    First responders can also seek support from our services, ensuring access to the care and resources they need, even though it is not through the scheme. 

     While there is no universal cure for tinnitus, therapies such as tinnitus retraining therapy and sound therapy can significantly reduce its impact on daily life. 

  • The PAMT program allows veterans to access necessary treatments while their DVA claims are being processed. This ensures timely care without delays. Learn more about PAMT or contact us for guidance on how to apply.  

At Provocatus, our clinical team recognises the impact of tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss on your daily life. We offer compassionate, personalised care to help you manage these conditions and connect you with the right resources and healthcare providers.  

Contact us today to take the first step toward improved wellbeing. Together, we can help you access support in your health journey.