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Thanks to the Veterans Administration
Quick&Dead
Member Posts: 1,466 ✭✭
About 10 years ago, I purchased a set of hearing aids from an audiologist that greatly improved my ability to hear and eliminated the tinnitus.
About 6 years later, when visiting the audiologist for an adjustment, he mentioned the VA was providing them to all veterans with hearing loss, not just those who suffered hearing loss due to military service.
I went to the local VA clinic, had a hearing test appointment and got new hearing aids at no cost and no cost for batteries, all provided by the VA.
Last fall, one of the hearing aids failed, returned to the VA and it was sent in for repair and returned in about 2 weeks. At that times, the VA audiologist said they were just over 3.5 years old and the VA would replace them after the 4 years so made an appointment 6 months later.
I kept the appointment last week, had a new hearing test and will be getting new hearing aids in about 4 weeks. The technology and microphones in them has greatly improved in 4 years so if my current 4 year old ones are rated a 3, the new set will be a 10 providing clearing sounds, highly reduced wind noise, etc.
Also the new hearing aids will be re-chargeable so no more batteries ~ just set then in the charger at night when retiring.
And get to keep my current aids as a backup set.
About 6 years later, when visiting the audiologist for an adjustment, he mentioned the VA was providing them to all veterans with hearing loss, not just those who suffered hearing loss due to military service.
I went to the local VA clinic, had a hearing test appointment and got new hearing aids at no cost and no cost for batteries, all provided by the VA.
Last fall, one of the hearing aids failed, returned to the VA and it was sent in for repair and returned in about 2 weeks. At that times, the VA audiologist said they were just over 3.5 years old and the VA would replace them after the 4 years so made an appointment 6 months later.
I kept the appointment last week, had a new hearing test and will be getting new hearing aids in about 4 weeks. The technology and microphones in them has greatly improved in 4 years so if my current 4 year old ones are rated a 3, the new set will be a 10 providing clearing sounds, highly reduced wind noise, etc.
Also the new hearing aids will be re-chargeable so no more batteries ~ just set then in the charger at night when retiring.
And get to keep my current aids as a backup set.
The government has no rights. Only the people have rights which empowers the government.
We have enough gun laws, what we need is IDIOT control.
Blood makes you related. Loyalty makes you family.
I thought getting old would take longer. :shock:
We have enough gun laws, what we need is IDIOT control.
Blood makes you related. Loyalty makes you family.
I thought getting old would take longer. :shock:
Comments
Of course the Vets as well they are taxpayers and deserve the best for thier service to God and country.
I need to get checked in, get an ID card, and go.
Hearing aids would be at the top of my list.
I am glad you made out well, and have had good success, Sir.
One day while reading a retired newsletter there was an article about VA providing aids to vets at cost. So - I bought a pair for about $700! Man it was good to hear again!
Then the audiologist told me that if service related I could get them free. A couple of hoops jumped thru and voila - I?ve got a fancy set of rechargeable aids!
The VA is like the NRA - some people love them and some don?t. I?ve had nothing but good experience at VA. The only problem is that it?s a 2 hour drive each way.
I use the check in kiosk and submit for travel pay at that time. It only takes about three more button pushes. They send me a check in a couple of weeks. (Probably a bigger check than they need to, but I really do appreciate it.)
I'm still getting used to the aids (my ears are pretty tight to my head and the aids create uncomfortable pressure) but I do wear them almost daily. The white noise generator is used less often after a week trial (I don't need a manufactured rain sound when it is really raining!) and I've already received my first six-month supply of wax guards and such for the hearing aids. So far, I have only had to pay for office visits at $50 each. Vets in less fortunate financial status don't even pay that.
Online research tells me my Resound hearing aids are the latest and best out there for my condition, and would run $5000 and up at a commercial outlet.
I have a small VA clinic here in town, but the main VA hospital is in Salt Lake City, an hour away. I don't bother with applying for gas money.
They screwed me royally, to the tune of about 7 grand (back about 1980 when I could not afford it) on a service connected problem.
Since that time, I worked hard for my retirement and healthcare and want absolutely nothing further to do with VA.
I will continue to mumble, "Huh, eh, what, what?."
Think about this: What competent healthcare professional would forego a well-paying civilian career to work a red tape infested government job?
The day the VA hires only vets, I may reconsider.
Vets genuinely care about vets.
But I suspect I'll never enjoy music again - and haven't voluntarily listened to any in over a decade. No loss, really.
ill stick to my batteries.
Former Member U.S. Navy Shooting Team
Former NSSA All American
Navy Distinguished Pistol Shot
MO, CT, VA.