Army makes deployment hearing test mandatory

[unhappycamper]

Capt. Leanne Cleveland, left, provides hearing testing with a portable audiometer while in Iraq in 2008.


Army makes deployment hearing test mandatory
By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Jan 12, 2009 15:23:05 EST

Bomb blasts, howling engines, growling generators and the deafening roar of military aircraft have made the war zones noisy enough to damage soldiers’ hearing.

An estimated 25 percent of redeploying soldiers have reported experiencing some change in their hearing, or dizziness or ringing of the ears, according to Army audiologists whose data was gathered from hearing tests done at units and installations after deployments.

The hearing tests are now mandatory in an effort to collect the data from all soldiers and make sure they are fit for duty and get follow-up care if needed. They must take the test as soon as practicable upon redeployment, or as part of their post-deployment health assessment.

Active-duty soldiers are required to have the test no later than six months after redeployment.

For National Guard and Reserve soldiers, the test must take place before they go off active duty.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/01/army_hearingtest_011209w/%2e



uhc comment: As someone who did two tours of duty in Vietnam, I can tell you to plan on some hearing loss. Firefights can be dangerous to your health (and life).