Some 3 million veterans, including a sizable number of  blinded veterans, are experiencing hearing loss from their time in the service and are receiving VA benefits from such a loss. The fastest growing post-war disability among veterans is, in fact, hearing loss and tinnitus.

Accordingly, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established ways to help veterans communicate more effectively over the telephone. For many, current devices such as hearing aids do not provide adequate assistance during a telephone conversation.

If you or someone you know are seeking alternative solutions, Captioned Telephone Services (CTS) may be an option. Compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, CTS is free of charge and enables veterans with hearing loss to speak during a phone call while receiving alternative communication to ensure seamless, accurate conversations. Through features and technology such as Voice Over and Automatic Speech Recognition, the service can be customized to end users who have both visual impairment and varying degrees of hearing loss.

The Clear2Connect Coalition is a group of disability advocacy and Veterans Service Organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting the right of Americans to access the quality, accurate technology services needed to communicate using a telephone. The group has provided a list of providers verified by the FCC located here and urges veterans to seek the help for which they are eligible.