For many veterans, the impact of military service does not always show on the surface. It lingers quietly, and it builds slowly. And sometimes, it affects something as fundamental as the ability to hear clearly.
Mr Roy Charles Luckham served in the British Army with REME after enlisting in May 1984. During his time in service, he completed operational tours including Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Cyprus. Like many veterans working around military vehicles, machinery and equipment, he was regularly exposed to high levels of noise. At the time, it was part of the job, and it was normal, and it was expected. However, over time, that exposure began to take its toll.
As Mr Luckham explained in his application to the UK Veterans Hearing Foundation, he was medically discharged due to progressive hearing loss. Although he did not receive much help, his hearing continued to deteriorate in the years following his discharge, likely linked to prolonged exposure to military equipment during his service. The damage did not happen overnight; it developed gradually, as it does for so many veterans.
Living with Service-Related Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
By approximately 2004, Roy had become fully reliant on hearing aids. Over the years, his hearing loss progressed to the point where daily life depended on amplification, and he also lives with tinnitus. In his application, Roy noted that both ears are affected, with constant ringing, particularly in the left ear. Tinnitus is often invisible to others, but for those who experience it, the sound never truly switches off. It can be distracting, exhausting and emotionally draining.
Hearing loss does more than reduce volume; it changes how conversations feel, making background noise harder to filter, and forces the brain to work harder simply to follow speech. Over time, this constant effort can become overwhelming and for a veteran who has already given years of service, adapting to this new reality can feel isolating. Mr Luckham is now retired, and, like many veterans, he wants to maintain his independence and clarity in conversation, engaging fully with the people around him without constantly straining to catch every word.
Reaching Out to the UK Veterans Hearing Foundation
The UK Veterans Hearing Foundation exists to support veterans living with service-related hearing loss. For many, the NHS pathway may not always provide the level of technology or tailored support they need. We at UK Veterans Hearing Foundation work to bridge that gap.
When Mr Luckham contacted the charity, his situation was carefully reviewed. His service background, medical discharge due to hearing loss, and ongoing reliance on hearing aids were all considered. Then we arranged specialist audiological support in partnership with HearCo Audiology Services. A comprehensive hearing assessment ensured that Mr Luckham’s current needs were fully understood. His hearing loss and tinnitus were evaluated, and appropriate technology was recommended to suit both his lifestyle and the severity of his condition. Importantly, this intervention was not rushed. Veterans deserve time, care and professional attention. Hearing solutions must be tailored properly, not simply fitted and forgotten.
Funded Support That Makes a Real Difference
Mr Luckham’s hearing support was made possible thanks to the generous funding of the Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust. Charitable funding plays a crucial role in enabling the UK Veterans Hearing Foundation to provide high-quality hearing aids and specialist care to veterans who might otherwise struggle to access advanced solutions.
Without this support, many veterans would continue to rely on outdated devices or manage with inadequate amplification. For individuals already coping with tinnitus and progressive hearing loss, this can significantly impact quality of life. Thanks to this funding partnership, Roy received the hearing solution he needed, fitted and supported by professionals who understand both audiology and the unique experiences of veterans.
The Impact of Proper Hearing Support
The difference proper hearing support makes cannot always be measured in decibels. It shows in daily moments like clearer conversations at home, less effort in social environments, reduced listening fatigue, and greater confidence when engaging with others. For Mr Luckham, the right hearing technology has helped restore ease to everyday life. Instead of constantly concentrating to follow speech, he can focus on the interaction itself. Instead of withdrawing from noisy settings, he can participate more comfortably.
Hearing loss linked to military service is not simply a clinical issue; it is deeply personal, and it affects relationships, mental wellbeing and independence. When veterans regain clarity in hearing, they regain connection.
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Why Supporting Veterans with Hearing Loss Matters
Noise-induced hearing loss remains one of the most common service-related conditions among veterans. Prolonged exposure to engines, weaponry, heavy equipment and operational environments can lead to permanent auditory damage. In many cases, symptoms may not fully manifest until years after service ends. Veterans may initially cope well, only to notice increasing difficulty later in life. Tinnitus, speech distortion, and sensitivity to background noise are common.
The UK Veterans Hearing Foundation was established to ensure that veterans are not left to navigate this alone. Every success story represents more than a hearing aid fitting; it represents recognition, and it acknowledges that hearing damage sustained during service deserves specialist attention and long-term support.
A Message to Other Veterans
Mr Luckham’s journey reflects the experience of many former service personnel across the UK. Hearing loss does not mean giving up independence; it does not mean accepting isolation. With the right assessment, appropriate technology and professional care, hearing can be significantly improved.
The UK Veterans Hearing Foundation works closely with trusted audiology partners, such as HearCo Audiology Services, to deliver personalised support. Funding partnerships, including the Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust, allow this work to continue. If you are a veteran experiencing hearing difficulties, tinnitus, or struggling with current hearing aids, support is available. No veteran should feel disconnected from the world around them because of service-related hearing damage.
