Hearing Loss from Military Service

Noise-induced Hearing Loss injuries are some of the most common forms of injury sustained during exercises by those serving in the UK Military. This shouldn’t happen, as the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has a duty of care to protect you. They should do so by:
- Limiting unnecessary exposure.
- Providing adequate hearing protection PPE during exercises.
- Carrying out risk assessments for planned exercises to ensure minimal unnecessary loud noise exposure.
- Routine monitoring and enforcement of PPE and the rules around its usage.
If the MOD has failed in its duty of care, then firstly, we are sorry to hear that, but you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries.
Recognising the Symptoms

Many veterans experience Noise-Induced Hearing Loss during their service, particularly from exposure to loud noises in training exercises and operations. NIHL typically affects the inner ear, leading to symptoms that may include:
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Difficulty understanding speech
- Muffled hearing
- Sensitivity to certain sounds
If left unaddressed, NIHL can result in permanent hearing loss, significantly impacting communication abilities and potentially leading to medical discharge from service roles that require acute auditory capabilities.
How Your Claim Is Assessed
1. Submit Your Enquiry
Submit an enquiry with your basic details and service number. This allows us to carry out an initial review and check your military service history.
2. Initial Call With Our Team
You’ll speak with our team to confirm key information and ask any initial questions. We’ll then book you in to speak with one of our veteran team members.
3. Veteran Claim Assessment
You’ll have a detailed call with one of our veterans who will review your military experience, exposure, and injury history. This helps confirm eligibility and ensures the right evidence is gathered from the outset.
4. Medical Evidence & Documentation
We’ll support you through the medical evidence stage:
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Hearing loss claims include a hearing test with an independent provider, arranged by us.
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Cold injury claims involve completing a detailed questionnaire reviewed by an independent medical assessor.
We’ll also help prepare, sign, and submit documentation to our named legal partner who will request relevant service records from the MOD.
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5. Claim Outcome & Compensation
Once all evidence is reviewed, the outcome of your claim is confirmed. If successful, the compensation amount will be clearly explained, along with the next steps.
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FAQs
Who are Veterans for Veterans?
We are a UK organisation made up of former members of the Armed Forces who understand the long-term impact military service can have. Our team brings together experience from across the services, with a shared focus on supporting veterans in a clear, structured, and respectful way.
Will claiming affect my employment status or my future military career?
Your claim remains confidential, safeguarding your privacy. If the claim does proceed to litigation then the result of this is public however you would always be notified before this happens. If you’re currently employed, it would be unlawful for your employer to penalise you for pursuing a claim against your employer.
Will claiming affect my ability to get a job in the future?
If you’re able to meet the requirements of the job, pursuing a claim shouldn’t impede your prospects for future employment.
How much compensation could I receive for a military hearing loss claim?
We cannot assure you of any specific entitlement amount. Historically, cases have resulted in settlements that vary from around £4,500 and more complex cases exceeding £10,000. Some cases can be considerably higher, with complex cases warranting compensation of £60,000 plus. The final settlement largely hinges on the unique circumstances of each individual case.
How long does a military hearing loss claim take?
Typically, between 18 to 24 months, however, the complexity of the case will influence this.
How Much Compensation Could I Receive For A Non-Freezing Cold Injury Claim?
The average payout of NFCI cases can vary dramatically however the cases which have been settled and become public record are six figure settlements.
How Long Do NFCI Claims Take To Settle?
We estimate these cases may take 2-3 years to resolve, though settlement out of court could potentially shorten this timeframe.
Do you help with claims outside of the UK?
Yes. As long as part of your service in the UK Military was after May 1987 then we can help, regardless of where you are in the world now.
What is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)?
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is permanent hearing damage caused by exposure to loud noise, often without proper protection. In the military, this can result from gunfire, explosions, or loud machinery. Symptoms include muffled hearing, difficulty understanding speech, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Will you be able to access all of my HMRC records or report to HMRC?
Our partner law firm will request your authorisation to obtain your employment records from HMRC. This step is solely intended to verify your work history, ensuring alignment with the dates provided in your claim.
Will anybody know I have made a claim?
Apart from your legal representatives and the Ministry of Defence (MOD), your claim remains confidential unless you have to go to court, then this would become public record however most claims do settle out of court.
Will making a claim affect my military pension or benefits?
No, claiming will not affect your pension such as AFCS or War Pension. If you are on benefits, the compensation you are awarded would count towards savings which may effect your benefits, however there are ways we can assist you with this in the form of a trust to ringfence your income.
Is there any financial risk in making a claim?
All claims are covered under a no-win-no-fee agreement, which is covered by ATE insurance. This ensures that all legal costs are covered in the event of an unsuccessful claim. Unless you are materially deceptive or misleading during the process, you will not be liable for any costs associated with the legal proceedings. Legal costs are recovered from your award at the conclusion of your case, at a rate of 25% of the total award plus an insurance premium.
What is Crown Immunity, and can it be challenged?
Crown Immunity protects the Ministry of Defence from liability for injuries sustained by servicemen and women before 1987.
Will I have to pay legal fees?
All claims are covered under a no-win-no-fee agreement, covered by ATE insurance. In the event of an unsuccessful outcome, the insurance policy will cover all fees. If your case is successful, a success fee of 25% of your damages (including VAT) and the insurance policy premium will be deducted from your final amount.
I have claimed a War Pension or Armed Forces Independence Payments. Can I still make a claim?
Yes, you are still eligible to pursue a civil claim irrespective of previous outcomes regarding War Pension or AFCS.
I no longer live in the UK. Can I claim?
Your case will be evaluated individually based on its specific merits and the availability of a local audiology test. If your case is strong and there are no issues in scheduling a test in your area, your legal representatives will arrange a test for you.
Can I claim for hearing loss if I was medically discharged for a different injury?
While a medical discharge shouldn’t hinder your ability to claim, the circumstances surrounding your discharge could impact the duration or amount of your claim. If you wish to explore the possibility of a claim, despite a medical discharge, get in touch today we can provide you with advice on your specific circumstances.
Part of my service was prior to 1987. Will that be included?
In order to pursue a claim for Hearing Loss, it is necessary that there was at least some period of your service that occurred after 1987. For instance, if you enlisted in 1986 and concluded your service in 1995, more than half of your service tenure would fall after 1987. In these circumstances, you could pursue a claim for your period of exposure from 1987 to 1995.
Can I claim through the Royal British Legion?
The Royal British Legion recommends consulting a solicitor to make a civil claim for negligence. Our team of veterans will discuss your claim with you to ensure your eligibility and help you proceed quickly and efficiently, after which we work with our partner law firm to represent you in your claim.
Who is eligible to make a military injury claim?
You may be eligible to make a military injury claim if you served in the UK Armed Forces (including Gurkhas and Reservists). Unsafe training, poor equipment, or lack of proper protection are all grounds to make a claim.
Do I need to have left the military to make a claim?
No, you can still be in active service or a reserve. Making a claim should not negatively impact your relationship with your employer.
How long do I have to make a claim?
It is important to submit your enquiry with us as soon as you become aware of your eligibility to claim.
Will I need to go to Court?
If your case advances to litigation, there may be a requirement for a court appearance. In such instances, your legal representative will accompany you every step of the way. There’s no need for apprehension; with a comprehensive and factual claim, the outcome should be satisfactory for all parties involved.
How long can military claims process take?
We estimate these cases may take 2-3 years to resolve, though settlement out of court could potentially shorten this timeframe.
Will I need to attend a medical assessment?
Yes, you will be required to attend at least one medical appointment. Our team will then contact you after your veteran call to arrange a medical test at a convenient time and location.
Our Veteran Team
Made up of veterans from every branch of the UK military, Veterans for Veterans supports the Armed Forces community through the compensation process for service-related injuries.


































