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DOD Works to Reduce Service Member Hearing Loss

Dr. Kelsie Tomlin Au.D.

Aug 12, 2025

Hearing loss among service members and Department of Defense civilians was down slightly in 2023, according to the Defense Health Agency’s Hearing Center of Excellence.

The report, “Hearing Health Surveillance Data Review-Calendar Year 2023,” includes data from DOD personnel in hearing conservation programs across all military departments.

The number of all service members with hearing loss decreased slightly to 12.0% in 2023 compared to 2022, and civilians with hearing loss was 34.7% for the same period. Active duty service members had the lowest rates of hearing loss in 2023 (10.7%) compared to the National Guard (16.2%) and Reserve (15.2%).

For DOD, good hearing is essential for being fit and ready for duty.

“Healthy hearing means service members can clearly hear commands or instructions, as well as hear a nearby enemy. Wearing hearing protection that is fitted to each person and their job also keeps their hearing healthy,” said Dr. Theresa Schulz, the center’s hearing loss prevention chief.

Hearing protection fits right when it:

• Fits tightly inside or over your ears
• Feels comfortable
• Blocks out noise

Reducing Hearing Loss

According to Schulz, testing how well a hearing protector fits a person can help reduce hearing loss compared to when the protection doesn’t fit correctly.

DOD continues to work on reducing hearing loss, Schulz added. It is conducting hearing protection fit testing to make sure hearing protection fits correctly. She said military and DOD civilians who are part of hearing conservation programs get yearly hearing tests, hearing protection fittings, and education to protect their hearing.

Article originally appeared on Defense Health Agency

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  • Dr Emily was very knowledgeable, kind, funny, helpful in getting us fixed up with hearing aids and the cost was better than some other places. We will definitely be going back.

    Kathy C

    2 weeks ago

  • I was in need of a same day appointment and Dr. P went above and beyond to accommodate me. She treated me respectfully and professionally during my hearing exam. Will use her on future visits.

    Leslie T

    1 month ago

  • Dr. Emily Kiser was just so amazing with our 6 year old during his first hearing test. She was so patient and always smiling and encouraging him.

    Natasha L

    2 months ago

  • I had my first visit with FHC today. From the initial phone inquiry, to Intake at the office, the clinical testing; the staff and Dr were very polite, service oriented and professional.
    I definitely will be a repeat patient!

    C.S

    2 weeks ago

  • Dr Emily was very knowledgeable, kind, funny, helpful in getting us fixed up with hearing aids and the cost was better than some other places. We will definitely be going back.

    Kathy C

    2 weeks ago

  • I was in need of a same day appointment and Dr. P went above and beyond to accommodate me. She treated me respectfully and professionally during my hearing exam. Will use her on future visits.

    Leslie T

    1 month ago

  • Dr. Emily Kiser was just so amazing with our 6 year old during his first hearing test. She was so patient and always smiling and encouraging him.

    Natasha L

    2 months ago

  • I had my first visit with FHC today. From the initial phone inquiry, to Intake at the office, the clinical testing; the staff and Dr were very polite, service oriented and professional.
    I definitely will be a repeat patient!

    C.S

    2 weeks ago

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Request a Callback

If you have questions about your hearing or a loved one’s, we are here to help. No pressure, no obligation. Just friendly, professional guidance from people who care. 

Simply complete the form, and a member of our team will reach out to you shortly. 

6770 W. Kilgore Avenue
Yorktown, IN 47396

(765) 889-4907

Request a Callback

If you have questions about your hearing or a loved one’s, we are here to help. No pressure, no obligation. Just friendly, professional guidance from people who care. 

Simply complete the form, and a member of our team will reach out to you shortly. 

6770 W. Kilgore Avenue
Yorktown, IN 47396

(765) 889-4907

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