Hearing loss and tinnitus are the leading causes of military disability claims, affecting more than 3.6 million former service members, according to numbers from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

The VA is the biggest employer of audiologists and speech language pathologists in the United States to treat military veterans whose hearing was damaged during their service.

Aerospace engineers at the University of Cincinnati and the Naval Research Laboratory have come up with a new nozzle design for F-18 fighter planes they hope will dampen the deafening roar of the engines without hindering performance.

But noise also limit the siting, expansion and operation of commercial and military airports.

“The main purpose is to reduce the impact on neighboring communities,“ Gutmark told SlashGear. 

“The Navy had a big lawsuit in Norfolk, Virginia, from people who lived near the base and complained about hearing problems, sleeping problems and the diminished value of their properties. So the military has to limit its operations and stop operating at certain times of day. It's a severe problem.“

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Featured image at top: An F/A-18 Super Hornet's afterburners roar prior to launch aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. Photo/ Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Bo Flannigan