Not an endorsement—just information you may find helpful.
Hearing loss is one of the most common service-connected disabilities among Veterans. Years of exposure to aircraft engines, weapons fire, machinery, and everyday operational noise can leave lasting effects long after military service ends. Even for those without a service connected rating, age-related hearing loss can quietly chip away confidence, independence, and the ability to stay connected with loved ones.
Fortunately, there are resources available to help bridge that communication gap. One program worth knowing about—again, this is not an endorsement, simply a public service announcement—is the Hamilton® CapTel® Heroes With Hearing Loss® program. More details are available on their website: heroeswithhearingloss.org.
The program offers captioned telephone solutions designed for individuals with hearing loss. According to the information provided on their site, eligible Veterans may be able to receive a no-cost captioned phone that displays written captions of the conversation in real time. For those who prefer mobility, a mobile app version is also available, allowing users to read captions directly on their smartphone.
While the technology itself is helpful, the biggest value of programs like this is the ability to reduce frustration and restore confidence during everyday communication—answering calls from family, talking with a health care provider, or coordinating appointments. Many Veterans with hearing loss tell us that simply being able to follow a phone conversation again feels like getting a piece of their independence back.
There are several ways to request a phone solution through the program, including an online form, a direct order option, or a paper form. If you prefer the paper route, your County Veterans Service Office can provide you with a copy of the order form. We can’t endorse the product, and we don’t receive anything for helping you access it—it’s simply another tool that may improve your quality of life.
If you are experiencing hearing challenges, I also encourage you to speak with your VA primary care team. VA audiology services, when eligible and enrolled, may provide hearing aids or assistive listening devices at no cost. The goal is to make sure you have access to whatever support best fits your needs—not just one program or one device.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
