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Post by cammy on May 29, 2009 19:57:53 GMT 1
Afghanistan veterans afflicted by hearing problems; New figures reveal true extent of damage
British forces serving in Afghanistan are suffering from hearing loss as a result of the high levels of noise on the front line. Hundreds of service personnel are returning home with varying degrees of hearing problems, ranging from tinnitus through to a profound hearing loss, which is harming their chances of finding civilian work after service. The findings, uncovered by Freedom of Information requests made by the Times newspaper, show every battalion to have a high number of unfit soldiers – including those who have served and now returned to the ranks. The Royal British Legion has disclosed that it dealt with 1,195 hearing loss related claims in the past year. Compounding this, 37 out of 411 personnel in the Grenadier Guards and nearly 240 out of 691 personnel in the Royal Anglian Regiment have severe hearing loss. Overall the findings show that nearly one in 10 deployed in Afghanistan can expect to suffer some degree of hearing loss that would render them unemployable in the future. The MoD has said it is looking into ways of reducing the risk and ‘mitigating’ the damage. Earplugs are currently available, but it is not always practical to wear them as they block out all noise, including radio orders.[/b]
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