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Re: Utilization of Audiology by vets

Jim Rau
 

Karl I couldn’t agree more. I think you are talking about disability rating examinations. I believe there are 3 nationwide who are contracted by VA to do the examinations. I had one last year that resulted in a 10% increase in my disability. The same thing happened abut 3 0r 4 years before that.  

Regarding the number os CIs provided by VA I agree they are sadly way behind. I heard an audiologist speak who formerly worked for VA and he said by his appraisal VA was only doing about 10% of the CIs they should be doing. 

I would add that all the audiologists that I’ve seen in VA (about 7 or 8 of the) have been caring and competent professionals. Although none of them admitted it.  I think they are alll constrained by policies of VA. Many veterans require ore instruction on how to use the hearing aids and associated devices they receive. They just don’t get it. The devices don’t get used and the veteran doesn’t get the help he/she needs.  

On Aug 30, 2021, at 2:35 PM, Karl Hallsten <karl@...> wrote:

While Tinnitus and Hearing Loss are the largest diagnostic groups for disability do we or the VA have any data on the actual usage of VA or vets with hearing loss? i.e. what percentage have HA or CI
IMO The VA is not keeping up with the move of profound loss to CI's with very limited surgery centers  not sure whether is 15 or and programing centers.  They are contracting out but with most states not having it in house it doesn't happen as it should.   The results are so good now and the processors are improving drastically with each new model will all three manufactures.

While they are good about providing ALD's by and large unless you know enough what to ask they are not offered and they also are not helpful on how to use them unless they are integrated with the hearing aid. 

Karl 

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