Can Hearing Loss From Military Service Lead to Parkinson’s Disease?

Hearing loss is extremely common among veterans, as service members often work closely with extremely loud firearms, artillery, and other equipment. If you’re struggling with tinnitus or a similar hearing issue after serving your country, you might be interested to learn about the potential connection with Parkinson’s disease. A recent article published by the VA explores this topic in depth. This could be an important subject for veterans pursuing VA benefits in Washington.

Those Who Experience Hearing Loss Are More Likely to Develop Parkinson’s Disease

In late January of 2026, the VA published a press release detailing the connection between hearing loss and Parkinson’s Disease among veterans. Specifically, reputable sources found that those who developed hearing loss were much more likely to develop Parkinson’s Disease at a later age.

Although this might seem worrying for veterans around the country, the VA was quick to provide a solution: As long as you get hearing aids within two years of an “abnormal” hearing test, you should experience a much lower risk of developing Parkinson’s in later life.

This highlights the importance of not only regular hearing tests for veterans, but also quick and effective treatment as soon as a hearing issue arises. Veterans should be aware that hearing loss is a recognized disability, and they should receive all the coverage they need to cover hearing aids and any other treatments their doctors recommend.

Do VA Benefits Cover Hearing Aids? 

Your VA benefits should cover the cost of your hearing aids. In order to get your hearing aids through VA, you need to register at a VA Medical Center. You’ll need to provide your DD214 and driver’s license when registering. You can also enroll online. After an appointment with an Audiology and Speech Pathology Clinic, you should be able to receive your hearing aids if your audiologist recommends them.

If anything goes wrong with your hearing aids, you should also receive free repairs. VA will even cover the cost of new batteries at no additional charge to you. Hearing aids are constantly improving over time, and you may want to inquire about upgrades in the future. That said, current hearing aid technology is quite advanced, and you shouldn’t have any major issues going forward.

VA benefits may also cover a range of other hearing-related treatments aside from hearing aids. If you think you might be developing Parkinson’s, VA may cover a range of additional treatments that can help in that regard as well.

How Do I Get VA Benefits in Washington? 

If you’re pursuing VA benefits for hearing loss, you may want to learn more about the potential links with Parkinson’s disease. The sooner you take advantage of these benefits, the sooner you can explore ways to stop your hearing problems from progressing into other health problems. Gustad Law Group, PLLC serves veterans around the country who are seeking VA benefits. Contact our Seattle VA disability lawyers today to continue this conversation. Our offices are conveniently located in Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma.

Sources:

 va.gov/portland-health-care/news-releases/va-ohsu-study-finds-link-between-hearing-loss-and-parkinsons-disease-in-veterans/

prosthetics.va.gov/psas/hearing_aids.asp