Until recently I had an audiologist who always seemed committed to providing me with the equipment and care I needed, without me asking for it.  I always felt that they considered veterans important clients who should be treated with respect and their needs were of the highest priority.  That audiologist has left and, while it’s still too early to judge fairly, I sense a new attitude.  We may be experiencing a cost-cutting environment, although the VA does offer top-of-the-line equipment.  And how can a veteran know what to ask for?  I think we basically become resigned to the fact that our hearing is impaired and we just have to live it.  And if the vet doesn’t know how to use his equipment, if he/she doesn’t speak out then we can hardly blame the audiologist.

On Aug 30, 2021, at 6:19 PM, Steve Sterry <steve.sterry@...> wrote:

I would concur with Jim's statement.  I also believe that it is particularly true with many older veterans (in their 80s and 90s) whose view of the VA may be negative.  So often, as I have experienced in the past, most audiologists do not spend time telling veterans what accessories or specialized equipment is available to the veteran.  Instead, the veteran goes to the VA to get hearing aids, and that is all that he or she gets because nothing else was requested.

 

Steven C. Sterry, M.A./M.B.A.

10149 Grayling AV. – Whittier, CA  90603-2608

Phone (562) 947-2258 

Email: steve.sterry@...

 

On Mon, Aug 30, 2021 at 2:48 PM Jim Rau <jimrau@...> wrote:

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