Today, we’d like to share with you the story of Mr. William Thompson, a former soldier of the Royal Armoured Corps, Light Dragoons. After years of enduring hearing loss and tinnitus as a result of his service, Mr. Thompson’s life has taken a positive turn thanks to the generosity of Veterans Welfare Group and their sponsorship through our Sponsor a Veteran Programme.
Mr. Thompson’s Story and Struggles
Mr. William Thompson proudly served in the Royal Armoured Corps, Light Dragoons, from 2004 to 2009. His military career included participation in several key operational tours, most notably Operation Herrick VII in Afghanistan, where he was awarded an Operational Service Medal. Throughout his service, Mr. Thompson underwent extensive training, just like all military personnel, preparing him for the many challenges he would face in active duty.
However, during a training exercise prior to his deployment to Afghanistan, Mr. Thompson sustained a life-altering injury. In an enclosed space, the returning fire from a weapon caused significant damage to his ears. Following this incident, he underwent surgery, but unfortunately, the outcome left him with a persistent high-pitched ringing – tinnitus – in his left ear. This condition has burdened him during the last 15 years, progressively worsening and becoming increasingly hard to ignore. To add to his struggles, Mr. Thompson began hearing a constant whooshing sound in his right ear.
In addition to his tinnitus, Mr. Thompson’s years of service left him with high frequency hearing loss, making everyday conversations difficult to follow. The constant effort to engage socially and the frustration of missing out on conversations became emotionally taxing. Mr. Thompson has also had to content with frequent ear infections in his right ear, further compounding his difficulties.
The emotional and mental toll of these conditions has been immense. Mr. Thompson describes feeling frustrated, anxious, and even embarrassed by his hearing challenges, despite his efforts to cope. His condition has not only impacted his ability to hear but has also affected his confidence and mental wellbeing. For someone who served his country with pride, it’s heartbreaking to see him struggling with the consequences of his military service.
The 'Sponsor a Veteran' Programme
Recognising the complexity of Mr. Thompson’s hearing challenges, the UK Veterans Hearing Foundation stepped in to provide the support he desperately needed. Understanding that standard or lower-end hearing aids would not be able to address both his severe tinnitus and high-frequency hearing loss, we equipped him with a pair of advanced, top-of-the-range aids specifically suited to his unique needs. These devices are designed not only to enhance his ability to hear clearly, but also to help manage his debilitating tinnitus.
Providing Mr. Thompson with these hearing aids was made possible through our Sponsor a Veteran Programme. This initiative allows us to partner with generous organisations and individuals who are willing to sponsor veterans struggling with hearing loss and associated tinnitus, as well as mental health issues. The programme ensures that veterans receive access to the latest and most effective hearing technology on the market, but also to any other form of help they might require, be it counselling services or a piece of equipment to complement their hearing aids.
Through the programme, we also provide comprehensive aftercare, ensuring each veteran is supported for years to come. For Mr. Thompson, this means continued follow-ups with a highly skilled independent audiologist, who will monitor his progress, make necessary adjustments, and ensure that the hearing aids continue to meet his needs. This combination of cutting-edge technology and professional aftercare ensures that veterans like Mr. Thompson receive the highest quality service and the best possible chance at improved hearing.
Our Sponsor: Veterans Welfare Group
Mr. Thompson’s life-changing hearing aids were generously sponsored by the Veterans Welfare Group, a dedicated organisation committed to supporting military personnel and their families. Veterans Welfare Group provides a comprehensive support network, offering advice, guidance, and resources to help veterans navigate the challenges they face during service, the discharge process and adjusting to civilisation post service. Their mission is to also ensure that those impacted by long-term injuries – physical or mental – have access to the help they need to rebuild their lives.
The group offers assistance across various areas, from rehabilitation support to housing, employment, and legal advice. Their team of experienced professionals understands the unique struggles that veterans often encounter and works tirelessly to provide tailored solutions for each individual.
Visit the Veterans Welfare Group website today if you’d like expert support from their dedicated in-house support team and network of trusted, independent directory.
Dean Phillips: Veterans Welfare Lead
Dean Phillips, recently turned veteran with a deep personal understanding of the challenges faced by those who have served, has recently joined the Veterans Welfare Group after 22 years of service in the RAF. Dean was medically discharged from the armed forces and experienced firsthand the difficulties of adapting to civilian life. He dealt with a range of concerns, including securing employment, accessing ongoing care, and navigating the complexities of his post-service treatment. This experience inspired him to support other veterans going through similar struggles, helping them know they are not alone.
Dean’s commitment to improving the lives of veterans and their families is at the heart of Veterans Welfare Group’s mission. This November, he will be visiting Mr. Thompson for a special meet and greet, seeing firsthand how the advanced hearing aids are improving Mr. Thompson’s quality of life. We encourage you to stay tuned for updates on Mr. Thompson’s journey, as we will be sharing more about his progress and how this vital technology is helping him rediscover the sounds of life.
Join Us: Sponsor a Veteran
We believe that every veteran deserves access to the best care possible, especially when it comes to restoring their health and quality of life. Through our Sponsor a Veteran Programme, companies and organisations can make a real difference in the lives of veterans like Mr. Thompson by providing them with the advanced hearing technology they need. By partnering with us, you’ll be helping veterans overcome the challenges of hearing loss and tinnitus, allowing them to reconnect with their loved ones and the world around them.
If your company is interested in joining our mission and supporting a veteran’s hearing treatment, we invite you to learn more about the programme and how you can get involved here. Together, we can give back to those who have sacrificed so much for us.
