Are you one of many Minnesota veterans looking for hearing loss assistance? You’re not alone—hearing loss and tinnitus are the most common service-related issue.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has plenty of support for veterans, but they can quickly become overwhelming to navigate. To help you, we put together VA hearing loss resources for you.
“Over 1.3 million veterans are receiving disability compensation for hearing loss.”2020 VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION COMPENSATION REPORT
Many veterans leave the service with some amount of hearing loss and/or tinnitus, a persistent ringing in the ears.
To receive benefits, you’ll need to show that any hearing problems are the direct result of your time in the service. It’s helpful to assemble an accurate and recent diagnosis, proof of events that contributed to the conditions, and a professional opinion from a licensed audiologist that connects the two. The more details you can provide, the better. These details could include the type of loud equipment you worked with or were in proximity to, duration around loud sounds, any hearing protection provided (or lack thereof), and approximate dates of when symptoms started.
To determine your disability rating, you’ll undergo two different hearing tests: pure tone audiometry and speech audiometry. The first determines the lowest (quietest) sound at which you can recognize speech, while the second measures your ability to understand what’s being said.
When it comes time to receive your VA disability rating, you’ll receive one rating for hearing loss and a separate one for tinnitus. VA disability rates for hearing loss are determined using a scale of 0-100, with the most common disability rating for hearing loss being 10% and 20% for tinnitus. The VA rates your ears together instead of ranking each ear.
Of course, ratings are given on a case-by-case basis. If you think your hearing loss is more significant than the rate you receive, you can provide supportive evidence.
First Things First: Ask your primary care physician for an audiology referral. If your VA clinic doesn’t have an audiologist, you may be able to visit one of SoundGate Hearing’s four locations.
Are you enrolled in the VA health system? Then, your diagnostic audiology and hearing loss treatment, including hearing aids, could potentially be covered, according to the Department of Veteran Affairs. Learn more about your eligibility for VA hearing aids and batteries and how to order them online.
If you cannot visit a local VA facility, our expert team at SoundGate Hearing is more than happy to assist you. We offer in-depth audiology evaluations and hearing aid selections, including a one-week, at-home hearing aid trial, to find the best fit for you.
You’ve helped take care of our count; now it’s our turn to take care of you. SoundGate Hearing is known for its expert, practical approach to hearing loss. Fill out a contact form to visit one of our four Minnesota locations.
Thank you for your service,
Dr. Sarah Binfet
About the Audiologist: Dr. Sarah Binfet received her Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Minnesota in 2006. She established Blaine Hearing Center in 2013 after proudly serving Veterans at the Minneapolis VA for nearly nine years. In 2015, she purchased SoundGate Hearing from her mentor, Dr. Wendy Davis, where she practices today.
Hello, I am Sarah! I have been an Audiologist since 2019 when I received my doctorate degree from A.T. Still University in Arizona and undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota. I have a passion to help people with their hearing healthcare. Coming from a family with hearing impaired individuals, I know the importance for personalized hearing care and best Audiology practices. Raised in small town Minnesota, I enjoy my time being outside, on the golf course or on the lake up north. I have 2 young children who keep me on my toes and always laughing.
My name is Brooke, and I have been working at SoundGate Hearing since July of 2023. I love being a part of a team that puts the customers first. Being able to help others has always been a passion of mine. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and traveling.
I have worked in a variety of roles in the hearing industry since graduating from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. I have worked at SoundGate Hearing since 2013 and have substantial experience with both the technical and business sides of the industry. I understand the fundamental need to provide strong support for our patients. I spend my free time away from the office with my active family. I enjoy a wide variety of activities, including travel, hiking, camping, fishing, and all things outdoors. I am a passionate hockey and soccer parent and fan.
Hello, I am Kara, and I am so excited to continue serving the Buffalo area and providing hearing care at SoundGate Hearing. I grew up in SW, MN, in a small town, and I love the sense of community that small towns offer. I have worked at SoundGate since 2019 and love the personalized care this clinic provides patients. In my free time, I enjoy reading, staying active, spending time outdoors, and soaking up as much lake time as I can in our short MN summers.
Welcome! I am Dr. Sarah Binfet and I have been a Doctor of Audiology since 2006. I proudly served Veterans at the Minneapolis VA for nearly 9 years. I established Blaine Hearing Center in 2013 in conjunction with my husband's optometric practice. It has been a wonderful partnership and enjoyable to see each other at work! In 2015, I had the opportunity to grow my practice when I purchased SoundGate Hearing from my mentor, Dr. Wendy Davis. I genuinely love what I do and feel that helping people hear is essential to their quality of life. I believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment in which the patient and their families can be educated on their hearing loss, hearing aid options, and how to have the best success with their hearing aids. At SoundGate, we deeply care about our patients and their outcomes. We want everyone to genuinely enjoy their hearing aids and the benefits they bring. I am committed to offering my patients the most up to date digital hearing aid technology, which is why I carry a full line of manufacturers. There is no one right hearing aid for everyone. It is my job to help my patients navigate the complex works of hearing aids and decide on which products best meet their needs, goals and budget. I have discovered the benefit of giving patients the opportunity to trial hearing aids out of the office. A hearing aid trial is most helpful in navigating the complex journey of better hearing. A Minnesotan through and through, I was raised in Eden Prairie, MN, received my undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas and my Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Minnesota. When not at work, you will find me cooking, hitting up the newest restaurants and fitting in as much yoga as possible. During the weekend, you will find my husband Rodney and me with our three kids, Evelyn, Jake and Sam, loving the outdoors at our family cabin on Leech Lake. I look forward to meeting you.
My name is Kathy, and I am a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) with SoundGate Hearing. I have been in hearing health for 18 years. I am passionate about helping people live their best lives with the best hearing possible. Getting to know patients is a joy for me. My position is a lot like a Nurse Practitioner’s. I am licensed to perform many services to help you while I work with and for the Audiologists for your best care. In my spare time, you will find my husband and I enjoying our three busy grandsons, reading with my book club, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I am so glad to be part of the SoundGate Hearing team.