Chris Binch & Veterans for Veterans
Check Your Eligibility
Chris Binch
The 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment (2 PARA)
The Old Paratrooper podcast is hosted by Chris Binch, a long-term sufferer of Noise Induced Hearing Loss. The podcast dives into honest conversations around mental health and ADHD—especially within the veteran community. Chris served seven intense years with 2 PARA, completing tours in Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone, the Balkans, and Afghanistan. After the military, he spent six years as a bodyguard in Iraq, three years in anti-piracy, and has since found new purpose as a firefighter.
His story is one of resilience, and his podcast gives a voice to those navigating life after service.
“I have personal experience with noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus – struggling to hear people’s conversations in pubs and ringing in my ears. Through my podcast, I’ve spoken to so many lads who struggle on, thinking it was part of the job. But you don’t have to just ‘put up with it’ and talking to someone who shares that unspoken military understanding makes all the difference. – Chris Binch”
Noise Induced Hearing Loss Claims
Those serving in the British armed forces often experience noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) during their service, particularly from exposure to loud noises in training exercises and operations, including duties such as operating heavy machinery, participating in live fire exercises, or working near aircraft.
NIHL typically affects the inner ear, leading to symptoms that may include:
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Difficulty understanding speech
- Muffled hearing
If you think you have suffered noise-induced hearing loss, you may be entitled to compensation.
Veterans For Veterans & You
At Veterans For Veterans, our experienced team of former service personnel is here to support you every step of the way. We know that making an armed forces hearing loss claim can feel overwhelming, so we’re here to simplify the process and fight your corner from start to finish.
“Veterans for Veterans is not just about hearing loss. It’s a wider commitment to Veteran projects like mine. Their support helps us shift the narrative around hearing claims — this isn’t about being anti-military; it’s about standing up for fairness and the acknowledging the real impact of service. – Chris Binch”
Your DedicatedUK BasedVeteran Team
Daniel Spruce
Mark O’Sullivan
Peter Ward
Simon Griffin
Stephen Gregory
Lee Kelly
Gareth Clarke
Paul Rees
John Joseph Scott
Chris Whittaker
FAQs
If you relate to any of the FAQs, or want to find out more get started here.
You don’t need to be certain. Many veterans don’t realise the extent of their hearing damage until tested. Part of the claims process includes an audiology test, which will confirm whether you have hearing loss.
Claims can only be made for service after May 1987. This is because Crown Immunity protects the Ministry of Defence from claims for injuries before that date. If you joined in 1986 and served until 1995, you may still claim for the period after 1987. This law changed following the case of Smith V Ministry of Defence.
Yes, you may still be able to as long as you served in the UK Armed Forces. Each case is assessed individually and if your case has merit, your claim can proceed even if you’re based abroad.
Yes. Having a War Pension or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) award does not prevent you from pursuing a separate civil claim, including if you have already been rejected for AFCS.
The legal firms we work with operate under Conditional Fee Agreements. Your case will be covered by an after the event (ATE) insurance policy. This insures you against loses and allows your case to be no win, no fee. If your claim is unsuccessful, all legal costs are covered and you don’t have to pay a penny. If your claim is successful a fee of 25% (including VAT), along with the insurance premium, will be deducted from your final settlement to cover your solicitor’s costs
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