Mar 19, 2008 3:55 pm US/Pacific
Veteran Hearing Loss Becomes Major Problem
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Doctors call it the "invisible disability." Tens of thousands of U.S. troops serving in Iraq are coming home with hearing damage. And as we come to find out, the problem is so extensive, it is the number one disability.
The sound of gunfire, mortar attacks and roadside bombs in Iraq is leaving many fighting men and women deaf.
"I don't hear 'em," says Don Wood, a retired staff sergeant.
Staff Sgt. Don Wood was protecting a military aircraft when it came under attack.
"Upon landing at that installation we were immediately mortared," explains Wood.
Wood helped save his fellow soldiers – but thinks that was the day he lost his hearing. He often has to rely on reading lips and may someday need hearing aids. He also suffers from tinnitus a ringing in the ears – that can be debilitating.
The military issued specialized ear plugs, but they are not 100 percent. Effective and some soldiers don't even use them.
"When you're in the heat of battle your not going to be like, 'time out, let me put some hearing protection in,'" says Wood.
Often blasts are loud enough it break bones inside the ear. Hearing specialists call it the "invisible disability."
"Hopefully their workplace, their supervisors, their colleagues will have a little compassion and understanding for what they're going through," says Dan Watters, audiologist.
And there isn't really a cure – only rehabilitation through hearing aids and counseling.
The Department of Veterans affairs say nearly 70,000 troops are collecting disability for ringing in the ears, and more than 58,000 for hearing loss.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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