Past & future loss of earnings
Where hearing loss caused medical discharge, restricted promotion or shortened your career, lost income and pension can be claimed.
Compensation guide
How much compensation for military hearing loss?
UK awards are calculated on the Judicial College Guidelines for general damages, plus your individual past and future financial losses. This page explains both halves of the claim.
Direct answer
For a UK military hearing loss claim, general damages typically range from a few thousand pounds for slight tinnitus to over £100,000 for total deafness, with significant additional sums for proven loss of earnings, hearing aids and care.
Judicial College Guidelines
General damages bands for hearing loss & tinnitus
Indicative figures from the 17th edition (2024) of the Judicial College Guidelines. Your final award depends on severity, age, work impact and medical evidence.
| Severity | Indicative range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Slight tinnitus with no NIHL | ≈ £7,910 – £14,140 | Or slight NIHL alone with no tinnitus. |
| Mild tinnitus with mild NIHL | ≈ £14,140 – £17,330 | Symptoms noticeable but not significantly disabling. |
| Moderate tinnitus and moderate NIHL — or one severe alone | ≈ £17,330 – £34,620 | Material impact on daily activities, work and sleep. |
| Severe tinnitus and severe NIHL | ≈ £34,620 – £52,420 | Substantial functional impairment. |
| Total deafness in one ear | ≈ £35,520 – £51,580 | Higher within band where there is associated tinnitus or dizziness. |
| Total deafness | ≈ £103,710 – £125,400 | Higher where speech has been affected or tinnitus is present. |
Source: Judicial College Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases (current edition). Figures are indicative only and are uplifted with each new edition; please confirm the current bracket with your solicitor before relying on any figure.
Beyond the JCG bands
Other heads of loss in a military hearing claim
Hearing aids & audiology
Private hearing aids, replacements every 4–5 years, batteries, repairs and ongoing audiology reviews are recoverable.
Care, support & adaptations
Communication aids, assistive listening devices and care or support hours where supported by the medical evidence.
The JCG figures above are general damages only. For many veterans the loss-of-earnings element exceeds the general damages award — which is why a proper valuation requires both medical and employment evidence.
Related reading
- Hearing conditions we claim for — NIHL, tinnitus, hyperacusis, acoustic shock.
- AFCS vs civil claim — how the two compensation routes interact.
- How a military deafness claim works — step-by-step from first call to settlement.
FAQs
Compensation amounts — common questions
General damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity are assessed by reference to the Judicial College Guidelines (current edition). Special damages — past and future loss of earnings, hearing aids, audiology, and care or assistance — are calculated on the evidence in your case. The two are added together to give the total claim value.
Want a realistic valuation of your claim?
Speak to a specialist military hearing loss solicitor for a free, no-obligation eligibility check. No win, no fee representation available.