SOMERSET, NJ March 29 – In recognition of National Vietnam Veterans Day (March 29), Oticon, Inc. honors the service and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans who represent the largest group of veterans in the US. As an official supplier of hearing devices to the Veterans Administration, Department of Defense and other federal agencies, Oticon has the privilege of bringing life-saving technology to many US veterans and active-duty military service personnel. Today, the average Vietnam Veteran is more than 70 years of age. Most receive healthcare or other benefits through the Veterans Administration.
Oticon recently sponsored a Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) webinar on the ‘Psychology of Hearing Loss’, led by retired Marine Corps combat Veteran Don Doherty. Doherty has served for more than 25 years with HLAA, most recently as a chapter president, state coordinator and member of the HLAA Board of Directors. A Vietnam veteran with hearing loss, he has benefited from the services of the Veterans Administration for more than 34 years.
“The Veterans Administration is instrumental and often the only source that veterans have for help with their hearing loss,” says Doherty. “HLAA works in partnership with the VA to provide the information, education, advocacy and support that veterans need, especially those recently discharged from active duty.”
The Oticon Government Services team is committed to providing the audiology and training support VA audiologists need to continue to deliver success and satisfaction to their patients. Audiology and Education Manager Sarah C. Draplin, Au.D, CCC-A, FAAA, a former VA audiologist with more than 13 years of experience working at Ann Arbor VA, knows first-hand the value that manufacturer trainings can deliver to VA audiologists.
“We are proud to support Veteran Affairs and Department of Defense audiologists who are working to improve hearing and quality of life for our nation’s veterans and active-duty military personnel,” says Draplin. “Our aim is to offer a high level of continuing education with a focus on research, product development, and hands-on training tailored to the unique needs of VA audiologists.”
The Oticon website provides information for US veterans with hearing loss (https://www.oticon.com/your-hearing/for-veterans/returned-from-tour) along with a link to VA facilities to help veterans determine hearing instrument eligibility or make an appointment.
