WWW.USVETERANSMAGAZINE.COM U.S. VETERANS MAGAZINE 67
features hearing aids with two different microprocessors built in to handle speech and background noise separately. This kind of split processing in hearing aids makes it so those with NIHL can listen and communicate more effectively in all environments - quiet, noisy or normal. Most of Signias hearing products also include innovative notch therapy technology for helping suppress tinnitus. Notch therapy identifies the wearer's unique tinnitus frequency and creates a frequency notch in their hearing aids that ultimately offsets and silences the tinnitus. Unfortunately, most primary healthcare professionals dont automatically screen for hearing loss or tinnitus, and patients usually dont recognize the problems until theyve been examined. Fortunately for veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes the heightened risk of NIHL and tinnitus from military service and covers diagnostic audiology from the moment a veteran exits the service. Healthcare professionals and veterans themselves should expand from there and begin exploring the possible connections between a vets hearing loss and PTSD. We know hearing loss and PTSD are significant public health problems among military veterans. Although further research still needs to be done, there are indications that identifying and treating the former through hearing technology that enhances human performance can begin to address the latter. In all likelihood, a coordinated approach to hearing and mental health can boost veterans quality of life.
Brian Taylor is a Doctor of Audiology and Senior Director of Audiology for Signia. He is also the editor of Audiology Practices , a quarterly journal of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, editor-at-large for Hearing Health and Technology Matters and adjunct instructor at the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Taylor has authored several peer reviewed articles and textbooks and is a highly sought out lecturer. Brian has nearly 30 years of experience as both a clinician, business manager and university instructor. His most recent textbook, Relationship-Centered Consultation Skills for Audiologists , was published in July 2021.
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