Veterans in Southeast Louisiana dealing with hearing loss don’t have to wait months for help, though many assume long wait times are just part of the deal.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has two pathways that can get veterans into audiology appointments much faster, sometimes within days instead of months. One lets veterans skip the usual referral process entirely. The other, VA Community Care, connects veterans with local providers like Associated Hearing Associates when VA wait times stretch too long.
Here’s exactly how both options work, and how Associated Hearing can help navigate the process.
Why This Matters Now
Hearing loss doesn’t pause while waiting for an appointment. Twenty years of aircraft engines, gunfire, or heavy machinery gradually destroys hair cells in the inner ear. Once they’re gone, they’re gone for good. Most veterans also deal with tinnitus, that constant ringing or buzzing that makes it hard to sleep, saps energy, and can turn every conversation into work.
The fatigue alone can be brutal. Straining to hear all day can leave those suffering with hearing loss exhausted before dinner. This can make a person seem distant or unfriendly when really, they just can’t follow the conversation anymore.
Early action makes a real difference. Better hearing means less exhaustion, easier relationships, and access to activities that might have been avoided in the past. That’s why getting started now, rather than waiting weeks or months, can improve the quality of life immediately.
No Referral Needed: Schedule Directly with VA Audiology
Here’s something that catches many veterans off guard: no referral from a primary care physician is needed to see VA audiology. Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare can call the audiology clinic directly and request an appointment for a hearing test, hearing aid fitting, or even follow-up.
Getting Started with Direct Scheduling
The biggest obstacle? Many veterans are surprised to find out that they are likely already enrolled in VA healthcare or assume that they need a primary care visit first. If enrolled, veterans can call their local audiology clinic directly and request a hearing evaluation.
Another common misconception is that many veterans think a service-connected disability rating for hearing loss is required to receive hearing aids. It’s not. Any veteran eligible for VA healthcare can receive hearing aids when clinically appropriate, according to government policy.
While some veterans are able to book appointments in as little as 10 days using this approach, timing varies by facility and season resulting in wait times that can stretch into the weeks. That’s where Community Care and Associated Hearing come in.
VA Community Care Through Associated Hearing Associates
What happens if the VA clinic says the next audiology appointment is six weeks out? Or the drive to the nearest facility would take 90 minutes each way?
That’s exactly when Community Care was designed to help.
Community Care lets veterans see approved local providers like Associated Hearing, with the government covering authorized services. Veterans are eligible for this program if they meet specific criteria:
- Wait Time: The soonest specialty appointment is more than 28 days from the requested date
- Drive Time: The nearest VA audiology clinic offering specialty care is more than 60 minutes away
More information about this program and eligibility can be found on the VA website.
How Associated Hearing Makes Community Care Simple
The main challenge with Community Care is knowing your eligibility status and getting the proper authorization. Many veterans accept long wait times because their care coordinator didn’t mention the 28-day rule unless explicitly asked. Others get stuck in paperwork confusion or worry about unexpected bills.
Once authorized, the team will work with you to quickly handle any paperwork and arrange scheduling. And because Community Care is an official government program, all veteran benefits remain intact.
Why Local Veterans Choose Associated Hearing Associates
Community Care isn’t just about shorter wait times. It’s about getting quality care close to home without the hassle of navigating paperwork alone.
Convenient Locations: With offices in both Metairie and Covington, Associated Hearing serves veterans throughout the greater New Orleans and St. Tammany Parish.
Comprehensive Care: From initial hearing evaluations to hearing aid fittings, adjustments, and ongoing support, the team offers truly comprehensive support.
Faster Access: While wait times at government facilities can stretch for weeks, Associated Hearing often gets Community Care-authorized veterans in for appointments much sooner.
Veterans sometimes worry about out-of-pocket costs with Community Care. Here’s the straight answer: there shouldn’t be any costs if proper authorization is in place before your appointment. Associated Hearing verifies authorization before confirming scheduling to avoid any billing surprises. If there’s any confusion about coverage, the team sorts it out with your care coordinator before the appointment, not after.
Ready to Hear Better?
If already enrolled in VA healthcare and facing long wait times:
Contact Associated Hearing today and let the team know about wait time or distance issues. They’ll walk you through the Community Care process, help you request authorization, and get veterans scheduled for care as soon as authorization comes through.
If not sure about enrollment status:
Those unsure about their status should call 1-877-222-VETS (8387) first to confirm enrollment, then contact Associated Hearing. The team can guide veterans through next steps based on their specific situation.
If already have Community Care authorization:
Don’t let that authorization sit unused. Contact Associated Hearing immediately to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Authorization doesn’t last forever, so getting scheduled quickly can ensure that coverage stays active.
Don’t Wait for Hearing Loss to Get Worse
The harsh reality is that hearing loss is a condition that progresses over time. The longer the wait, the harder the brain has to work to compensate, and the longer it takes to adjust to hearing aids when finally getting them. Months of struggling through conversations, missing important information and feeling exhausted from constant listening effort can add up.
This care was earned through service. The government has systems in place specifically designed to provide help faster, and Associated Hearing is here to make those systems work smoothly.
If you notice the need to ask people to repeat themselves, if tinnitus is disrupting sleep, or if there’s constant exhaustion from the effort of trying to hear all day, don’t wait – schedule an appointment with one of our experts today.