Working in the armed forces can be one of the most rewarding careers you can choose. It’s estimated that over 150,000 people currently serve full-time within one of the forces, proving just how popular this industry is for the UK population.
However, the risks associated with working in the military are far more severe than in other professions and fatal or life-altering injuries are, unfortunately, common. Since 2006, more than 17,000 service personnel have suffered an injury or lost their life in the line of duty.
One common injury that can impact people working in this field is tinnitus but understanding the link between them isn’t always explored in enough detail. That’s why we’ve put together this insightful guide on the link between tinnitus and the armed forces, so you can get a better understanding of what this injury is and how it can impact people who have served the country. Read on to find out more.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the technical name for a ringing or buzzing sound in your ear, which can cause difficulty hearing.
The exact cause of tinnitus is often unknown but can be related to various factors such as exposure to loud noises, age-related hearing loss, earwax blockage, certain medications, and underlying health conditions.
Being in and around the forces means you may be subject to noise exposure like gunfire and explosions, which can damage the ears dramatically. According to the Royal British Legion, UK veterans are three-and-a-half times more likely to report difficulty hearing and one of the leading causes of this is tinnitus.
Tinnitus can affect different parts of the ear, including the outer ear, middle ear, inner ear, and auditory pathways to the brain. The most common type of tinnitus affects the inner ear, specifically the cochlea, which is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound.
The impact this can have on wellbeing
As you can imagine, having a ringing sound in your ear can be life-altering and make it difficult to do even the most basic tasks. Here are some of the ways tinnitus can affect the wellbeing of those suffering from it:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty having conversations
- Difficulty doing basic activities like watching TV or listening to music
What to do if I get tinnitus
If you do, unfortunately, begin to suffer from tinnitus, the road to recovery can be long and difficult. However, there are some things you can do to make your life a little easier. Here are some of the options:
- Contact military solicitors who can help get you compensation if the injury wasn’t your fault. Solicitors like Bolt Burdon Kemp have helped many clients who suffer from tinnitus and hearing loss, frequently caused by inadequate ear protection during training exercises. If this sounds familiar to your tinnitus cause, they may be able to help you too.
- Speak to specialists who could offer solutions to treat the issue. Some of the following treatments may be able to help you: Hearing aids, masking devices, white noise machines, ear wax removal and medication.
- Seek alternative therapy if there are no appropriate treatments. Relaxation and behavioural therapies are great options and may be able to reduce the impact tinnitus is having on you.
- Speak to friends and family about your issues. They may be able to offer the emotional support you need to get through this difficult time. While this may not cure your tinnitus, it should be a big boost for your recovery.
Tinnitus is a life-altering injury that anyone can suffer from if exposed to loud noises. However, when you serve your country, you shouldn’t be left to deal with the consequences by yourself. Don’t let tinnitus impact your life negatively, seek help and support from friends or professionals to begin building your life back up today.
