Battling the Unseen Wounds of War

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Battling the Unseen Wounds of War
October 29, 2009
Marine Corps News|by Cpl. Katie Densmore

When rounds are flying over head down range being able to hear is critical. If the platoon commander is screaming for the Marines to begin squad rushes and several of the Marines can't hear the orders, those who can't hear are putting everyone at risk.

Hearing loss is one of the most common injuries seen as a result of the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is often referred to as a silent wound because there is no blood and sometimes it is not an immediate obvious impairment.

"We have seen a dramatic increase especially since the war started in Marines with hearing loss." said Lt. Cmdr. Alan Ross, the departmental head for hearing conservation with the Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune. "We have really started to see a large number of younger Marines come in and receive hearing aids. In fact, 52 percent of the people we fit with hearing aides are between the ages of 18 and 27."

Ross believes the increase in hearing loss is due to an increased operational tempo and more time at the ranges. However, most of the hearing loss Ross has seen is preventable. He added, Marines can lessen their chances of hearing loss by wearing proper protection, but there are also steps the command can take to ensure their Marines are informed and tested.

"We do safety stand downs where we show options for hearing protection and how to properly use hearing protection," he said. "We even have mobile hearing test trucks, so we can go to a battalion. We want people to take advantage of our services, so we are as user friendly as possible. We will come to you if you can't come to us."


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/marine-corps-news/battling-the-unseen-wounds-of-war.html?col=1186032366495