MCLEAN, Va. (7News) — The impact of constant exposure to noise is seen in disabilities related to military service.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the top two problems are tinnitus — ringing or buzzing in the ears — and hearing loss.

Dr. Ana Anzola of Hearing Doctors in McLean, Va., said hearing problems can lead to cognitive problems.

“Thirty percent of military service have hearing loss and tinnitus and they’re assessing it earlier in life and treating it properly so we can prevent dementia from occurring earlier in life,” she told 7News Health and Wellness Reporter Victoria Sánchez.

The Lancet medical journal, “As the severity of hearing loss increases, the risk of dementia increases.”

John Marshall, an 87-year-old Navy veteran, remembers years of loud noises.

“I was on the destroyers and they were having a lot of firing exercises from the main battery, and even as things were blowing up, I thought, ‘I wonder how this is affecting my hearing?’ he explained.

Marshall said his hearing aids help him stay connected with friends and family. The devices also help them balance while walking.