This week my Departmental Review for hearing, at level 3 since August 2018, was approved. My original request was submitted a year before retirement in 2008. After 34 years of service, hearing changed from H1 to H3. It was rejected due lack of evidence of hearing loss on audiograms. A few years ago, an ENT specialist strongly encouraged me to appeal through the Bureau of Penson Advocates (BPA), as he was certain my hearing loss was attributable to military service (audiograms, two SDA deployments, and flying duties). New evidence included an audiogram just prior to retirement, and two audiograms two years ago, which indicated hearing loss caused by exposure to noise. I was approved for tinnitus prior to release in 2009. I do require hearing aids. I am most grateful for the invaluable advice and assistance of the BPA. Key to all of this was the advice of the BPA and staying patient!