Hearing Loss and the MIlitary


How prevalent is noise-induced hearing loss with UK troops?

More than 2/3 of British troops returning from Afghanistan suffer from severe NIHL.

Answer Extra: 

In a study released by the Deafness Research Foundation and the UK Ministry of Defence, nearly 69% of UK troops returning from Afghanistan had suffered hearing loss due to combat noise. Many combat troops complained of tinnitus, some of complete deafness.

source: 
Pearson, Chris (Surg. Cdr., RN). “The Extent of Operational NIHL.” http://www.deafnessresearch.org.uk/docs/research/mod/SurgCdrPearson.pdf
What is the top disability amongst US military personnel?

Noise-induced hearing loss is the top disability amongst US military personnel.

Answer Extra: 

According to the Deafness Research Foundation, more than 65% of returning combat troops from Afghanistan suffer from noise-induced hearing loss. Many troops sustain acoustic trauma – hearing loss – when exposed to very loud blasts, such as incendiary explosive devices (IEDs).

source: 
Deafness Research Foundation. “Hearing loss number one diagnosis for military.’ http://www.drf.org/news/161/Hearing+loss+number+one+diagnosis+for+military