………eeeeeeeeeeeee……..

Tinnitus has been a health problem for my DH since Vietnam.  To keep from going bonkers, he developed the typical DIY techniques of creating white noise with fans, the TV, and radio.   Getting to sleep can be a trial when you hear a noise that never stops.  Fans and air-conditioning noise helps in the summer but in the winter a mini-fan has had to suffice.  

Today, while at the VA, he requested a VA-issued sound generator because he’s tired of dealing with this alone when there are professionals to help him.  Good news!  He’s going to get one in two weeks!  

A visit to one VA website  links to Walmart, Sharper Image and others where veterans can buy their own “tinnitus-distracting” devices.  Stop the bus.  Why are they promoting these corporations when a veteran may be eligible for a “sound generator” through their VA auditory clinic?

SOUND GENERATORS. These devices provide white noise or a
narrowband noise to mask or cover up an individual’s tinnitus (ringing or
buzzing in the ears). They are especially helpful for patients who have
difficulty sleeping as a result of tinnitus.

Other assistive listening devices (ALDs) available  include an amplified telephone and television systems–which is a great idea if your housemates are always telling you to “turn it down”.    My DH does have an amplified telephone on loan courtesy of the State of MN deafness program.  He has a VA-issued hearing aid.

So, shoot a “secure message” to your VA audiologist or call the clinic and ask for a device prescription.  It just might help.   If you have experience with VA services for the hard of hearing , please share it on ASKNOD so we can all benefit.

Tinnitus is frustrating, not curable, but manageable.  Hearing loss is socially isolating so do protect the hearing you still have.