Scotland’s Veterans Commissioner has welcomed the collaboration by Age Scotland, Action on Hearing Loss and Scottish War Blinded

Scottish charities have combined forces to raise awareness of hearing or vision problems among Scotland’s veterans.

Scotland’s Veterans Commissioner has welcomed the collaboration by Age Scotland, Action on Hearing Loss and Scottish War Blinded.

The charities are calling for action to raise awareness of the risks of losing their sight or hearing, and have produced a Combating Sight and Hearing Loss guide advising where they can get help and support.

Veterans who were exposed to loud noise from small arms fire, artillery, engines, other machinery or explosives are at particular risk of developing hearing loss.

Research has also found links between sight loss and post traumatic stress disorder.

With veterans at greater risk of developing sensory impairment, the charities are calling for screening to identify early those who are losing their hearing.

They are also urging that people are asked if they have served in the forces when they are registering for a Certificate for Vision Impairment so that veterans be signposted to the right support.

The charities are members of the Unforgotten Forces’ Consortium which is a partnership between 15 organisations led by Poppyscotland which is delivering a range of new and enhanced services to older veterans.

They have collaborated in publishing a Combating Sight and Hearing Loss guide..

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Charlie Wallace said: “As one gets older, so it becomes more challenging to keep abreast of changes and feel comfortable as one’s own needs change.

“This practical guide for older veterans who are living with sensory loss, primarily sight and hearing, details in clear concise language the advice and support available. I am sure it will prove to be a welcome addition to the information already available to those living with these conditions and to the health professionals and family members supporting them.”

Brian Sloan, Chief Executive of Age Scotland, added: “Older veterans with sight and hearing loss often miss out on a wealth of support available to them, either because they are unaware it is available, or because they don’t realise they count as a veteran.

“Anyone aged 65 years and older who has done and received pay for at least one day’s service in the UK Armed Forces is classed as an older veteran, including national servicemen, reservists and merchant navy who have supported a military operation. It’s a privilege to work with our partners to ensure older veterans with sight and hearing loss know about and can get the help when they need it.”

Free copies of the guide can be requested from the Age Scotland Helpline 0800 12 44 222.