When most people think of military service, they picture bravery, discipline, and sacrifice. What many don’t see are the lasting health challenges that veterans carry with them for decades after leaving the armed forces.
One of the most common, yet least visible, of these is hearing loss and tinnitus. The sounds of artillery, gunfire, and heavy machinery are so loud that they can permanently damage the ears. According to the Royal British Legion, hearing loss is one of the leading health conditions affecting veterans in the UK today.
For Mr Grenville Phillip Cook, who proudly served in the Royal Horse Artillery, this invisible wound became a daily battle. After years of struggling with severe tinnitus and hearing issues, Mr Cook finally found the solution he needed through the UK Veterans Hearing Foundation (UKVHF) and our Hear4U Newark clinic.
This is his story of success with the UK Veterans Hearing Foundation.
Mr Cook’s Service & The Early Roots of Hearing Loss
Mr Cook enlisted in the army, he operated 105mm guns during his deployments. In those days, hearing protection was not a priority. Soldiers stood close to heavy artillery fire, enduring deafening blasts daily without defenders. This constant noise exposure left Mr Cook with lasting damage to his hearing by the time he completed his service.
Living with Tinnitus for More Than 20 Years
Shortly after his military discharge, Mr Cook developed tinnitus, characterised by persistent and intrusive auditory sensations.
“I can’t hear properly. The constant buzzing and whooshing noise are exhausting. Any loud noise irritates me. Conversations are a struggle, and the tinnitus never leaves me.” – Mr Cook.
For more than twenty years, tinnitus significantly affected multiple aspects of Mr Cook’s daily life.
- Sleep: Persistent auditory disturbances prevented Mr Cook from achieving restful sleep, even in otherwise quiet environments.
- Appetite and well-being: The stress associated with tinnitus resulted in chronic fatigue and diminished appetite.
- Communication: He often had to guess what people were saying, which made conversations frustrating and isolating.
- Emotional health: The combination of poor sleep, constant noise, and missed conversations caused irritability, stress, and withdrawal from social settings.
Tinnitus is a multifaceted condition that affects both physiological and psychological health. For Mr Cook, daily symptoms served as a continual reminder of service-related auditory trauma.
Seeking Help In The NHS
Over the years, Mr Cook had repeatedly tried to obtain support through the NHS. He underwent tests, including X-rays, to see if doctors could find the cause of his tinnitus. Unfortunately, no treatment was offered, and eventually, he was told that nothing more could be done.
“I went everywhere for help. I even had X-rays, but nothing worked. Eventually, I was just turned away.” – Mr Cook.
NHS hearing aids were provided at one point, but they weren’t powerful enough for the level of hearing loss Mr Cook had. While they amplified the sound, they failed to provide him with clarity, and they did nothing to alleviate the constant tinnitus. As a result, Mr Cook experienced ongoing frustration and believed that these auditory challenges would remain permanent.
A Turning Point
In 2025, Mr Cook discovered the UK Veterans Hearing Foundation, which helps veterans access the hearing care they need. With hearing loss and no proper solution to his problems, he had been unable to privately fund advanced hearing aids.
Through the UK Veterans Hearing Foundation (UKVHF), Mr Cook was referred to the Hear4U Newark Clinic. He received a comprehensive specialist assessment addressing both hearing loss and tinnitus, marking a significant change in his clinical management.
The Solution: Oticon Real Hearing Aids
Following assessment, audiologists at Hear4U provided Mr Cook with Oticon Real, an advanced hearing aid offering features beyond basic sound amplification. Why Oticon Real Works for Veterans Like Grenville:
- RealSound Technology™ helps the brain process sounds naturally, making speech and background noises feel clearer and more balanced.
- Tinnitus SoundSupport™ generates soothing sounds that reduce the perception of tinnitus, helping silence become restful again.
- Noise reduction features eliminate disruptive background sounds that can overwhelm people with hearing loss.
- Speech clarity prioritises voices, even in busy environments, so group conversations are no longer a struggle.
- Comfortable design, lightweight, discreet, and it works well alongside glasses, making it easy to wear daily.
The results were immediate and life changing.
Mr Cook’s Transformation
Since being fitted with Oticon Real at Newark, Mr Cook’s quality of life has improved dramatically.
- His tinnitus has essentially vanished, giving him quiet for the first time in over 20 years.
- Improved sleep quality has contributed to increased daytime energy and cognitive focus.
- Appetite and overall daily functioning have also shown marked improvement.
- He can now fully engage in conversations, no longer having to guess what others are saying.
- He feels more confident, less irritable, and more at ease in social situations.
In his own words:
“The best thing I have ever done.” – Mr Cook
“I don’t have to guess at what people are saying anymore, I can hear clearly.” – Mr Cook.
Why Veterans’ Hearing Stories Matter
Mr Cook’s journey is one of many. Studies show that more than 300,000 UK veterans live with hearing loss. Those who served in artillery and frontline roles face especially high risks of permanent damage.
Hearing loss and tinnitus don’t just affect the ears. They can:
- Result in social isolation from family and peers.
- Causes mental health struggles, including depression and anxiety.
- Be linked to cognitive decline if left untreated.
Mr Cook’s case proves that appropriate support and technological interventions can significantly improve outcomes for veterans with hearing loss. Mr Cook is determined to encourage others not to suffer in silence.
“Don’t just put up with it. For years, I thought nothing could be done, but I was wrong. There is help out there. Reach out, you will be glad you did.” – Mr Cook.
Breaking the Silence
Mr Cook’s experience underscores that hearing loss and tinnitus are manageable conditions. After years of insufficient support and persistent symptoms, he has achieved substantial relief and improved well-being.
Mr Cook now lives free from constant tinnitus, with the confidence to enjoy life and conversations again, thanks to Hear4U’s team in the Newark clinic. For him, receiving Oticon Real hearing aids was more than just treatment; it was a turning point that restored his independence, connection, and improved his quality of life.
