I accumulated over 3,000 hours flight time in USAF reconnaissance (135, 130, E3A) aircraft that were only minimally acoustically insulated (adds weight to aircraft, you know). Job required continuous audio monitoring of radio-frequency signals, both voice and data/radar, often times with receiver volume maxed for hearability of weak transmitters. Exposure typically ranged from eight to 23 hours on a single mission. My audiologist measured my left ear at 30% loss of upper audio frequencies, with extreme tinnitus.
My question is whether any other former aviators have successfully processed hearing loss disability claims, or are those claims typically denied as expected aging process?
Fingers crossed.