US Troops Lose Hearing at Alarming Rates

Aural damage from Iraq, Afghanistan wars reaching epidemic levels
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 8, 2008 7:53 AM CST
US Troops Lose Hearing at Alarming Rates
U.S. Army Sgt. Ryan Kahlor listens for sounds as his hearing is tested by audiologist Derin Wester, right, at Balboa Navy Medical Center in San Diego, Feb. 6, 2008. Kahlor's hearing was damaged by exposure to multiple IAD blasts in Iraq. Many soldiers and Marines returning from Iraq and Afghanistan...   (Associated Press)

US troops are coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan with epidemic rates of hearing damage, AP reports, with 128,000 disabled by permanent hearing loss or tinnitus, ringing in the ears. The nature of the current conflict is part of the problem, with roadside bombs and sudden ambushes giving troops no chance to use protective equipment. "They can't say, Wait a minute, let me put my earplugs in,'" said a Navy specialist. "They are in the fight of their lives."

Troops are also wary of using earplugs out of fear that dulling their senses while on patrol could be a fatal mistake. The Navy and Marines have begun distributing high-tech earplugs with digital processors that block out damaging sound waves and still allow users to hear everyday noises. The catch: They cost  $600 a pair. Most troops are still issued the $8.50 kind.
(More US military stories.)

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