The effect of military service does not end when they leave the Armed Forces, there are veterans who take injuries with them which takes years to reveal themselves. This quietly affects everyday life long after service has ended. For RAF veteran David Leslie Brown, hearing loss became one of those lasting reminders.
A huge thanks to funding from the Inman Charity and support from the UK Veterans Hearing Foundation, Mr Brown has now received new hearing aids fitted by Vibrant Hearing, this helps him take an important step towards better hearing and improved quality of life.
A Career of Service
Mr. Brown served in the Royal Air Force between 1976 and 1979 and during his time in service, he was regularly out and about exposed to loud working environments, something many veterans will recognise all too well. When he looks back, Mr Brown believes his hearing loss may have been caused while he was conducting aircraft engine testing.
At the time, the focus was on getting the job done. Back during his service days, the hearing protection and long-term hearing health were not always discussed in the same way they are today. So, years later, however, the impact began to make itself known.
Living with Hearing Loss
Hearing loss often develops slowly, people do not realise how much of their hearing has changed until simple daily activities become more difficult. For Mr Brown one of the clearest signs was needing to turn the telly volume up all the way to maximum levels just to hear properly.
What might seem like a small inconvenience at first can have a significant effect on the daily life. With conversations becoming harder to follow, the television and radio becoming frustrating rather than enjoyable. Family members find themselves repeating things more often. As time passes, people begin to withdraw from situations where listening becomes a struggle.
Mr Brown also experiences tinnitus, a condition which is commonly associated with noise-induced hearing loss. The constant presence of ringing or buzzing sounds can make listening even more challenging and add to the fatigue many people with hearing loss experience. Alongside this, Mr Brown lives with PTSD, making the ability to hear and communicate clearly even more important in maintaining confidence and well-being.
Support Through the UK Veterans Hearing Foundation
At the UK Veterans Hearing Foundation, we exist to make sure that every veteran receive access to hearing care when they need it most. Through the support of The Inman Charity, veterans like Mr Brown can access hearing technology that might otherwise be out of reach.
After applying to the Foundation, Mr Brown was assessed and fitted with hearing aids by the team at Vibrant Hearing. The process is about far more than simply providing hearing aids; it is about helping veterans reconnect with the sounds and conversations that matter most. Whether that is spending time with family, watching television comfortably, or taking part in everyday conversations without constantly straining to hear, improved hearing can have a meaningful impact on daily life.
Looking Forward
Mr Brown has now started his hearing journey with his new hearing aids and is already receiving ongoing support from his hearing care team. When asked about his experience so far, David simply said:
‘Thank you for everything you have done for me.’
Like many hearing aid users, the process does not end on fitting day. Finding the right settings and adjusting along the way is an important part of achieving the best possible hearing outcomes. Our team will continue to work closely with Mr Brown to ensure his hearing aids are performing well and that any adjustments needed are made promptly. Ongoing support is a key part of helping veterans get the most from their hearing technology and regain the confidence in everyday listening situations. We look forward to supporting David throughout his hearing journey and help him continue to enjoy the sounds and conversations that matter most.
Thank You
The UK Veteran Hearing Foundation would like to thank The Inman Charity for funding Mr Brown’s hearing aids and Vibrant Hearing for providing his fitting and ongoing support. Their generosity and dedication help ensure veterans affected by hearing loss receive the care they deserve after years of service tour country.
Stories like Mr Brown’s are a reminder that hearing loss can affect veterans long after military service ends. Through continued support from charities, donors and hearing care professionals, the UK Veterans Hearing Foundation can continue changing lives, one veteran at a time.
