Over the years I have been in contact with several audiologist.  My first was with a very kind and sincere individual (name to be provided when I get his permission).  I went to him early on as I was trying to determine how severe my loss was.  He provided my first prescription for a set of two hearing aids.  At one point he advised me that, if I was a veteran, I should check with the VA to see if my hearing loss was service related.  As it turns out, after many tests and other interactions with Pottawatamie County VA’s office and the VA hospital in Omaha, it was determined that my loss was service related.  Thus, now the VA supplies my hearing aids and related equipment at no cost to me.