Hearing Loss from Military Service

hearing loss image

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

Soliders in a helicotpor

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.

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FAQs

Answers to the questions we’re asked most by veterans and their families.

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.

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.

If you’re able to meet the requirements of the job, pursuing a claim shouldn’t impede your prospects for future employment.

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.

Typically, between 2 – 3 years, however, the complexity of the case will influence this.

The average payout of NFCI cases can vary dramatically however the cases which have been settled and become public record are six figure settlements.

We estimate these cases may take 2-3 years to resolve, though settlement out of court could potentially shorten this timeframe.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Crown Immunity protects the Ministry of Defence from liability for injuries sustained by servicemen and women before 1987.

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.

Yes, you are still eligible to pursue a civil claim irrespective of previous outcomes regarding War Pension or AFCS.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

No, you can still be in active service or a reserve. Making a claim should not negatively impact your relationship with your employer.

It is important to submit your enquiry with us as soon as you become aware of your eligibility to claim.

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.

We estimate these cases may take 2-3 years to resolve, though settlement out of court could potentially shorten this timeframe.

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.

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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.
Mark O’Sullivan
Mark O’Sullivan
The Royal Military Police
Bio
Peter Ward
Peter Ward
Corps of Royal Marines
Bio
Simon Griffin
Simon Griffin
The Royal Logistics Corps
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Gareth Clarke
Gareth Clarke
The Royal Navy
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Paul Rees
Paul Rees
1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
Bio
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