Should I Change My Future Plans for the Military Because of Tinnitus?

I am 26 at the time of writing this. I hoped to possibly serve in the military at some point in my life, but with tinnitus I am told I am not viable for recruitment. I understand there are no guarantees but with the promising research on the horizon, could there be a fix or cure in the next five years? Or am I better off giving up and changing my plans?

Please be direct with what you understand to be the chances. I understand I may be disappointed to hear what has to be said.

 

Hello Thomas. Perhaps you have been considering serving in the military for a long time, so this is a tough thing to think about.

So, only regarding the tinnitus, soldiers are notoriously exposed to loud sounds for extended periods. Even with hearing protection, the years of exposure will certainly take their toll on your tinnitus and you will get some hearing loss.

People on this forum have been waiting for a cure for years and trying to predict a working treatment, so I would not take that leap of faith. I would also not join any military, even before the tinnitus.

 

Who said you are not viable for recruitment?

I suppose it depends on what capacity you want to serve.

 

If I were you I would make other plans. Is your tinnitus noise induced? If it is, the military would be a really bad idea.

 

Hey Thomas,

I think you should always do what you love. But I cannot imagine you won’t regret this as many do. Military might be important to you, but as an outsider you’re not only putting your ears at risk but your life.

Do you think you’d regret living for the remainder of your life with loud tinnitus just to serve in the military? If yes, then don’t do it. If not, then I guess it’s ok.

But nothing for a short period is worth a lifetime of suffering. You can get the same satisfaction from many other activities.

Including serving your country in many non risky ways.

 

Not sure it would be wise? Did you try to enlist? Over 167,000 veterans were diagnosed with tinnitus in 2021 and over 2.5 million veterans are currently receiving disability benefits for it.

 

Obviously firing loud weapons or being around them is flat out. But there are all sorts of jobs available in the military branches. When Vietnam was raging and some of my friends were being drafted right after graduating from high school (and some not coming back either, along w/ their fathers) I called my uncle Ralph. He was a brainy guy who had retired from the Air Force. The first thing he said was, this was a "war" where I didn't want to be on the ground.

That made sense, so I went to the local Air Force recruiter. Took the tests and all, and they said they would send me up to Chanute, Illinois to learn to be an X-ray tech. But I was a Southerner, and figured those Illinois winters would kill me as surely as any enemy. Not long after that, the US left Vietnam in a highly questionable manner and my need to go into the military was reduced to zero.

Two things to remember about any military branch though. First, you better like taking orders. That was the other deal killer for me. Most Southerners will NOT follow orders, it's drilled into us from birth, we're just rebellious and individualistic, and won't be bossed around. So that part was never going to work anyway.

The second thing is, you could easily find yourself on a battlefield even if you think it's not a just war. Sure, you can just quit, but the repercussions will probably follow you around the rest of your life and you will be punished. Just voicing your opinion about that is not gonna work w/ the military chain of command, even if it is obvious you are right. There are many, many other ways to serve our country and humanity. But the military does pay well now, you can retire (assuming you're still alive) at an early age, they can teach you marketable skills, all that.

Just depends on what you want, and what you're willing to sacrifice to get it I suppose.

 

I'm going to be frank with you, this is simply a terrible idea. This is not back pain or a torn ligament; as of right now it's a one-way street. The military is notorious for being loud, as a matter-of-fact tinnitus is one of the most commonly listed disabilities by veterans at the VA here in America.

I understand anything could happen during your day to day that could make your situation worse; but please consider, you really are putting yourself in harm's way for no reason with that career. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but in the past, I had to make decisions based around my disabilities. Yes, it sucked not being able to do things I once loved; but I found new passions and interests. With all this I understand you're a grown man and will make your own decisions, just know that someone is out there thinking about you hoping for the best.

Kind regards,
Carl

 

You are not viable for a reason. Millions of army vets acquired and are receiving disability for tinnitus and you want to join the army already with tinnitus???

If you are in your mid twenties, there might, and I say might, be a cure by the time you are in your eighties... sadly so, my friend.

 

Well I guess I'm a little lucky if that turns out to be true. With all the science looking into extending human life well beyond the 80s and 90s, I could still see many years without tinnitus.

 

Think of another career path. Your ears will not be ok in a loud environment, let alone firing weapons etc.

 

I would not take the chance. This for sure will cause your tinnitus to go to the severe level and let me tell you as somebody with extreme tinnitus, this is living hell, no other way to describe it.

Severe tinnitus and habituation doesn't go well together, so if they tell you that you will get used it to it, think twice.

The biggest thing I have learned in life is that health is everything and the day you don't have it, nothing else matters, so please be careful.

 

Dan, could you be more optimistic! I'm 74 with 34 years living with tinnitus.

 

I do have to agree with others saying it might be too risky. In the end, it’s up to you.

You might want to consider joining the United States Peace Corps instead. A more safer path (for your ears) and way more fulfilling than military IMO. I hear it’s quite tough to get in though. Peace Corps is very selective in the application process and can take up to 2 years to get an approval. Worth looking into though.

 

Mall Cop is great career...

 

I will be more optimistic when a researcher says "I know what causes tinnitus and how to cure it"...

 

We have had that happen within the last 5 years. Additionally, we have seen effective treatment modalities used in research settings; I would hold off on the extreme pessimism.

 

Huh? Nobody ever said that.

Effective treatment modalities? What planet are you from?

 

I'm going to play Devil's advocate. if you know noise is an issue, you can double up on protection and research the shit about your trade beforehand. If it's mild tinnitus, it may stay mild. Military is not cool with vets getting hearing loss. If you're around planes, you'll always be an arm's throw away from earplugs. Firearms you can shoot with double protection. If you have no measured hearing loss, they shouldn't care.

if noise REALLY makes it permanently worse, this is a bad idea but still a good idea to try. You can always quit.

I'd stay away from ,say, a trade involving jet engine testing. Or artillery. Those are insanely loud. Also jet pilots do deal with the engine noise and it isn't trivial. Multiengine or helicopter would be quieter than that.

Planes and tinnitus don't mix if you're around them being stupid. Yet I'm trying to get my old life back as well since my situation wasn't strictly from loud noises. Heck I just took two flights for an hour and was temporarily spiked. Being sick is what made my noises way, way worse.