Hearing loss is a prevalent sensory impairment affecting millions
of military Veterans and non- military individuals worldwide. For Veteran’s, in
fact, hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities affecting their
overall well-being and quality of life. According to the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA), more than 2.7 million Veterans receive disability
compensation for hearing loss. The primary causes of hearing loss in Veterans
are exposure to intense noise levels during combat, frequent use of firearms,
and proximity to explosions and other concussive events.
A growing body of evidence suggests a strong association
between hearing loss and Alzheimer's disease. Studies show that auditory
deprivation, or prolonged untreated hearing loss, can contribute to the
development of Alzheimer's disease. The sensory deprivation experienced by
individuals with hearing loss can disrupt the normal functioning of the
auditory cortex, leading to altered sensory processing and reduced neural
connectivity. These changes may have cascading effects on cognitive processes,
contributing to the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. It’s important for Veteran advocates to be aware of the connection between wide-spread
military hearing loss and Alzheimer’s Disease.
