Hearing conservation programs combat noise-induced hearing loss by stopping it from happening, said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Robert Summers, audiologist and specialty leader. “It’s a proactive approach versus a reactive approach.”

Your fit-tested hearing protection device is the last line of defense from noise-induced hearing loss.

There are nearly 2,000 eye injuries occurring in the U.S. each day, and almost all these injuries can be prevented, according to the Defense Health Agency’s Vision Center of Excellence.

Myopia, otherwise known as nearsightedness, is the leading cause of visual impairment in children worldwide, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Hearing and vision are critical senses. Service members must be able to see, hear, and communicate in order to achieve their mission safely and effectively, engage with their families, and connect with their communities.

The potential risk of military service on hearing health and ear function is well documented. The Hearing Center of Excellence focuses on the prevention and treatment of hearing loss and auditory injury among military personnel and veterans.

The Military Health System recognizes May as “Vision and Hearing Loss Prevention Month” to raise awareness about hearing and vision as vital components of military readiness, and remind service members to stay sight and sound ready.

Cyber and IT warriors may develop somewhat unique vision and hearing injuries due to their duties and workspaces.

The 30-member team conducted enhanced shore-based activities at Erbil Air Base in Iraq, where they provided life, limb, and eyesight-saving care to the U.S. armed forces, Department of Defense, civilian contractors, and multi-national coalition forces. They also provided critical support to facilities in the Eastern Syria Security Area.

May is recognized by the Defense Health Agency as Health Vision and Hearing Month, U.S. Navy Lt. Courtney C. Rafferty, Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor optometrist, explains the critical importance attached to the monthly theme.

The Defense Health Agency’s Hearing Center of Excellence Military Hearing Conservation Report for fiscal year 2021 revealed that hearing loss in the Department of Defense remains relatively stable among service members and civilians enrolled in hearing conservation programs.

Although World Hearing Day is observed just one day during the year, the Audiology and Speech Pathology Center at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center focuses on improving the health and quality of life for MHS beneficiaries nearly every day of the year.

Vision Center of Excellence issues first treatment practice recommendations for laser eye exposure.

Are the noises you're hearing real or imagined? If you've ever wondered that, you may have a condition that 10 percent of the adult population of the United States currently suffer from -- and not even know it.