Military hearing loss claims
If you served in the military and were exposed to unsafe noise levels without proper hearing protection, you could be entitled to a military hearing loss claim.
One of our specialists will arrange a no-obligation conversation to talk through your experience and see if a military hearing loss claim might be right for you.
What is military hearing loss?
There has been a rise in military hearing loss claims, with many allegations noting the lack of proper hearing protection.
Military hearing loss is long-term hearing damage caused by exposure to loud noises during service, such as training or live combat.
Symptoms include muffled or distorted sound, difficulty hearing conversations, or ringing in the ears that doesn’t go away. These can develop gradually and worsen over time.
This type of hearing damage is now one of the most common reasons for military compensation claims in the UK.
How does the military hearing loss claims process work?
The military hearing loss claims process is fairly straightforward and includes:
How much Armed Forces hearing loss compensation am I entitled to?
The amount of compensation you could get for an army hearing loss claim depends on how serious your condition is and how it affects your quality of life. Payouts can range from £5,000 to over £100,000 in some cases.
The exact amount depends on:
- The type and severity of hearing loss or tinnitus.
- How it affects your work, social life, and wellbeing.
- Medical evidence and audiology test results
- How long you’ve been affected by the hearing damage
Can I claim for military hearing loss?
Yes, you can claim for military hearing loss or tinnitus if it was caused (or worsened) by noise exposure during your time in the Armed Forces.
This includes if you:
- Were exposed to loud noise during training or deployment.
- Were not provided with proper hearing protection
- Now suffer from hearing issues, even if symptoms developed after your service.
You do not need to have been medically discharged or diagnosed while serving. Many veterans develop symptoms years later and can still make a claim for military hearing loss.
Asking for help can be hard, especially when you’ve spent years being strong for others
We understand if you feel conflicted or unsure about making a hearing loss claim against the MoD. But looking for support isn’t about going against the military – it’s about taking care of yourself after all you’ve given. Let us guide you through this process at your own pace.
What military hearing loss conditions can I claim for?
There are several army hearing loss conditions that you can claim for, including tinnitus, sound sensitivity, and partial or complete deafness.
Service-related hearing loss
The most common claim is for noise-induced hearing loss caused by gunfire, explosions, and machinery, as this can lead to permanent hearing damage.
Tinnitus and sound sensitivity
Tinnitus (a ringing or whistling noise in the ears) is another common symptom related to military hearing loss claims. It may be constant, or it could come and go, but it’s often made worse by stress or background noise.
Pressure-related damage
Exposure to sudden pressure changes, like aircraft deployment or explosive blasts, can cause inner ear damage. This often results in balance issues and changes in hearing over time.
Age-related hearing loss
You can’t claim for natural hearing loss due to age alone. However, if military noise exposure worsened your hearing loss beyond what is typical for your age, you may still be able to claim.
Complex/medically-linked hearing loss
Hearing damage isn’t always caused by noise alone. Some veterans develop hearing loss after suffering head injuries or contracting infections during service.
Severe/total deafness
If your military service led to total hearing loss in one or both ears, you could claim substantial compensation. This includes cases where hearing aids or implants are now essential for your everyday life.
Causes of military hearing loss
Everything from weapon fire to vehicle noise, or even poorly adjusted comms equipment, can be the cause of military hearing loss.
Weapons fire and explosions
Repeated exposure to gunfire, mortars, grenades, or IEDs is a leading cause of military hearing loss, especially if effective protection wasn’t provided.
Aircraft and vehicle noise
Service in or around helicopters, jets, tanks, and other armoured vehicles can expose personnel to intense and prolonged noise. This tends to affect those in logistics, aviation, and frontline combat roles.
Communication systems
Poorly designed headsets, faulty comms equipment, or extended use at high volume can all contribute to military hearing loss, especially if this wasn’t properly monitored or adjusted.
Asking for help can be hard, even when it could be the best thing for you
We understand making a military hearing loss claim isn’t always easy, especially after years of service. Many veterans accept hearing problems and deafness as part of their experience and continue without getting the help they need. But it can affect almost every part of daily life. From your employability to your relationships, the impact can be difficult to manage.
How can we help with your army hearing loss claim?
We support veterans who are ready to take the first step towards their military hearing loss claim. Here’s how:
- Free, no-strings chat – Get in touch and find out if your military hearing loss could qualify for a no-win, no-fee claim.
- Handle the paperwork – We’ll manage all the evidence you provide us with, keeping things as simple and stress-free as possible.
- File your claim – We’ll build your case and submit it to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) or the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS).
- Push for results – If your military hearing loss claim is disputed, we’ll challenge it on your behalf and keep you updated at every stage.
- Get your money back – Once we win your case, you’ll receive a lump sum in line with how much you’re owed. Simple as that!
Military hearing loss FAQs
Do you have any questions before getting in touch about your military hearing loss claim? Here are some of the most common ones we receive:
How much compensation can I receive for military hearing loss in the UK?
Compensation for military hearing loss in the UK can range from £3,000 for mild cases to over £100,000 for severe or total hearing loss. The final amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your hearing damage, how it affects your daily life, and the evidence you provide.
Is 20% hearing loss considered a disability in military terms?
Yes, in military terms (i.e., the minimum requirements under UK military schemes), a 20% hearing loss may qualify as a disability depending on how it impacts your ability to serve and carry out your duties.
Can I claim for military hearing loss if I’m still serving in the military?
Yes, you can make a military hearing loss claim even if you are still serving. You do not have to wait until you leave the military to claim compensation. However, you must show that your hearing loss is linked to your service and was caused by noise exposure without the proper protection.
What hearing protection should have been provided to me during military service?
During military service, you should have been provided with effective hearing protection such as ear defenders and/or custom-moulded earplugs. You should have also been given regular hearing tests and monitoring for noise exposure. If suitable protection was not provided or properly enforced, you may have grounds for a claim.
Can I still make a claim for military hearing loss if my service ended years ago?
Yes, you can still claim for military hearing loss even if your service ended years ago. Most claims must be made within three years from when you first noticed a hearing loss problem or connected it to your military service. Exceptions might apply if you were unable to claim within the standard time limits due to health issues.
What are my legal rights if my military hearing loss claim is denied?
If your military hearing loss claim is denied, you have the right to challenge the decision. When you work with an army hearing loss claims specialist, they can review the reasons for denial, help you gather any additional evidence, and appeal the decision for you.
How long does a military hearing loss claim take?
Most military hearing loss claims take between 6 and 18 months to complete. The exact timescale depends on the scale of your case, how quickly medical evidence can be gathered, and whether the MoD accepts liability early on.
What are examples of military hearing loss conditions?
Examples of military hearing loss conditions include:
- Tinnitus
- Acoustic trauma
- Presbycusis
- Hyperacusis
- Deafness
- Acoustic neuroma
- Labyrinthitis
- Barotrauma
- Otosclerosis
Why choose us for your military deafness claims?
Your service has shaped who you are today. While we can’t restore your hearing, we can help you receive the recognition and care you deserve for your military hearing loss.
No win, no fee
Start your MoD hearing loss claim stress-free. We’re a no-win, no-fee service, so you only pay if your claim is successful.
We understand your case
We specialise in supporting veterans like you with military hearing loss claims. You’ve given so much, and you deserve all the care and support you can get in return.
Transarent & Compassionate
We support you every step of the way, with clear communication and the best possible care from day one.
Start your army hearing loss claim today
If you’ve suffered hearing loss or damage because of your military service, you could be entitled to compensation, and we’re here to make the claims process as simple as possible.
There’s no cost to start your case, and we’ll guide you through the entire process, including all the paperwork. We’ve helped many veterans claim the support they’re entitled to, so whether you served recently or years ago, we’re here to help you take the first step.