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Otolaryngologists Work to Heal Hearing Loss in U.S. Military Troops

by Jennifer L.W. Fink •

“You don’t want to decrease someone’s situational awareness. If you were to completely remove all audible warning signs, you couldn’t hear a jet sneaking up on you. You’re talking about a risk of death.”

—Lt. Amanda Fox, U.S. Marine Corps

Minnick advises otolaryngologists to familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), such as flashbacks, nightmares, numbness, hyperarousal and avoidance, and to make appropriate referrals as needed.

Because hearing injuries are frequently associated with brain injuries, balance problems and psychological issues such as PTSD, the Department of Defense is creating links between the Hearing Center of Excellence and other Centers of Excellence, including the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury. “We’re looking at ways to manage the patient holistically,” Dr. Packer said. “The impact of the injury on a patient’s life and function can be profound, and we want to help them.”