Charities combine to combat veterans’ sight and hearing loss

Three of Scotland’s leading charities have combined forces to raise awareness among Scotland’s veterans of the need to act swiftly if they are having problems with their hearing or vision.

Scotland’s Veterans Commissioner has welcomed the collaboration by Age Scotland, Action on Hearing Loss and Scottish War Blinded. The charities are calling for action to raise awareness among veterans of the risks of losing their sight or hearing, and have produced a Combating Sight and Hearing Loss guide advising where they can get help and support. Free copies of the guide requested from the Age Scotland Helpline 0800 12 44 222.

Veterans who were exposed to loud noise from small arms fire, artillery, engines, other machinery or explosives are at particular risk of developing hearing loss. Research has also found links between sight loss and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
With veterans at greater risk of developing sensory impairment, the charities are calling for screening for veterans to identify early those who are losing their hearing. They are also urging that people are asked if they have served in the forces when they are registering for a Certificate for Vision Impairment so that veterans be signposted to the right support.

Action on Hearing Loss Scotland’s Hearing Forces project, Age Scotland and Scottish War Blinded are members of the ‘Unforgotten Forces’ Consortium which is a partnership between 15 leading organisations led by Poppyscotland which is delivering a range of new and enhanced services to older veterans.

Welcoming the guide, Veterans Commissioner Charlie Wallace said:

“As one gets older, so it becomes more challenging to keep abreast of changes and feel comfortable as one’s own needs change. This practical guide for older veterans who are living with sensory loss, primarily sight and hearing, details in clear concise language the advice and support available.

“I am sure it will prove to be a welcome addition to the information already available to those living with these conditions and to the health professionals and family members supporting them.”

Brian Sloan, Chief Executive of Age Scotland said:

“Older veterans with sight and hearing loss often miss out on a wealth of support available to them, either because they are unaware it is available, or because they don’t realise they count as a veteran. Anyone aged 65 years and older who has done and received pay for at least one day’s service in the UK Armed Forces is classed as an older veteran, including national servicemen, reservists and merchant navy who have supported a military operation. It’s a privilege to work with our partners to ensure older veterans with sight and hearing loss know about and can get the help when they need it.”

Rebecca Barr, Director of Scottish War Blinded said:

“It is vital that veterans who are concerned about their sight have it checked as soon as possible, so that they can access the support available to them. We support over a thousand veterans with sight loss across Scotland, helping them develop skills to live independently and providing a network of support and activities which helps prevent them from becoming isolated.”

Teri Devine, Director of Action on Hearing Loss Scotland, said:

“People on average take up to 10 years before getting their hearing tested from the point they first notice hearing difficulties. Through our Hearing Forces service, we are supporting older veterans to benefit from using hearing aids, which are most effective when fitted as soon as hearing loss is diagnosed. As the Scottish Government recognises the need for ‘early diagnosis and intervention’ assisted by screening in its See Hear sensory impairment strategy, we want older veterans to be screened for hearing loss so they can access the person-centred support they need to reduce the impact of deafness in their everyday lives,”