Partnership with UK Veterans Hearing Foundation
UK Veterans Hearing Foundation Partnership
New partnership to support veterans with hearing problems
Combat Stress is working alongside UK Veterans Hearing Foundation to support former servicemen and women with hearing problems associated with their service in the Armed Forces.
UK Veterans Hearing Foundation (UKVHF) was set up by Samantha and Paul “Ben” Bennett. Ben, an ex-army veteran, spent 13 years serving in the Royal Artillery and this caused him to develop a high-frequency hearing loss. This experience allowed Sam and Ben to identify that hearing loss within the military requires greater awareness and support and decided to create the UKVHF charity. Combat Stress is proud to work with UKVHF to support veterans with the health implications they often face as a result of service.
Free support for veterans affected by hearing loss
With the support of UKVHF, Combat Stress can now refer veterans for a free hearing assessment and help them receive state-of-the-art hearing aids and accessories, as well as tinnitus and mental health support free of charge.
Adrienne Coward, Regional Operations Manager South for Combat Stress, has said: “We know that some veterans who undergo mental health treatment with us struggle to join in with group therapy sessions because they often have difficulty hearing what has been said. Even a mild loss of hearing can result in the restriction of daily activities and feelings of isolation. This can worsen mental health and make it very hard to take part in talking treatments.
“By working with UKVHF, we can help veterans make better use of the treatments we offer and make it easier for them to enjoy family life, leisure time and work.”
Chloe Johnston, UK Veterans Hearing Foundation manager, said: “We fully understand the difficulties experienced by those with hearing loss, which can include additional stress as well as the reluctance by individuals to join group sessions and social events.
“Hearing loss is something that you cannot physically see and can therefore snowball into further problems caused by the lack of understanding by others. We look forward to working with Combat Stress, and together, we believe that we can raise the quality of life for those suffering because of military service and enhance their ability to join in with others on the road to recovery.”
How to get a free referral
To find out how you can get help, contact UKVHF direct on 01455 248 900.