Hearing Loss Support for Veterans in Florida
Hearing loss and tinnitus are the most common service-connected disabilities. If you served, you are not imagining it, and you are not alone. Here is where Florida veterans find peer support and free HLAA membership.
Where veterans with hearing loss find support
Three places to start. First, the HLAA Veterans Across America Virtual Chapter, a national online group that meets on the third Tuesday of each month and is open to any veteran, anywhere in Florida. Second, your local HLAA chapter, where you will meet other veterans and civilians dealing with the same hearing aids, captions and frustrations. Third, the VA, which provides hearing tests, hearing aids and cochlear implants to eligible veterans at no cost.
2.7M
veterans have service-connected hearing disabilities or are in treatment for hearing-related issues
HLAA
#1
hearing loss and tinnitus are the most common service-connected disabilities
HLAA national
Free
HLAA membership for veterans, a national HLAA program
hearingloss.org
HLAA Veterans Across America Virtual Chapter
The Veterans Across America Virtual Chapter (VAAVC) is HLAA's online chapter for veterans with hearing loss and tinnitus. It meets on Zoom on the third Tuesday of each month with live captions. Members share what works: navigating VA audiology, getting hearing aids adjusted, dealing with tinnitus, and staying connected with family and work.
It is run by veterans, for veterans, and it is free. Florida has one of the largest veteran populations in the country, so you will not be the only Floridian on the call.
Learn more and join VAAVC on hearingloss.orgComplimentary HLAA membership for veterans
HLAA national offers complimentary membership to veterans. Membership includes Hearing Life magazine, member webinars and discounts, and it connects you to HLAA-FL and every Florida chapter. Sign up through HLAA national and select the veteran option.
Hearing care through the VA in Florida
Veterans enrolled in VA health care can get hearing tests, hearing aids, batteries, repairs and, when appropriate, cochlear implants through VA audiology at no cost. You do not need a service-connected rating to receive hearing aids through the VA if you are enrolled and meet the eligibility rules.
If your hearing loss or tinnitus is related to your service, you may also qualify for disability compensation. A Veterans Service Officer at your county veterans service office can help you file a claim for free. HLAA members who have been through the process are glad to share what they learned.
Meet other veterans at a Florida chapter
Many HLAA-FL chapter members are veterans. Chapters near military communities in Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, the Panhandle and South Florida welcome veterans and their families. Bring your spouse. Hearing loss affects the whole household.
Common questions
Is hearing loss a VA disability?
Yes. Hearing loss and tinnitus are the two most common service-connected disabilities in the VA system. If your hearing loss or ringing in the ears is related to noise exposure, blasts, aviation, ordnance or other service conditions, you can file a claim. A county Veterans Service Officer in Florida will help you at no charge.
Can I get hearing aids from the VA if I am not service-connected?
Often, yes. Veterans enrolled in VA health care can receive hearing aids through VA audiology when they meet eligibility criteria, even without a service-connected hearing rating. Eligibility rules are specific, so ask your VA primary care team for an audiology referral and they will tell you where you stand.
What is the Veterans Across America Virtual Chapter?
It is HLAA's national online chapter for veterans with hearing loss and tinnitus. It meets on Zoom on the third Tuesday of each month with live captions, and it is free. Veterans anywhere in Florida can join. Meetings cover VA audiology, hearing aids, tinnitus and life with hearing loss, led by veterans who have been there.
Is HLAA membership really free for veterans?
Yes. HLAA national offers complimentary membership to veterans as a national program. Sign up on hearingloss.org and choose the veteran membership option. Membership connects you with HLAA-FL and every Florida chapter, and includes national member benefits like Hearing Life magazine and webinars.
Your service matters. So does your hearing.
Join the veterans virtual chapter, claim your free HLAA membership, or come to a Florida chapter meeting this month.