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
Under the Judicial College Guidelines (18th edition, April 2026), general damages for military hearing loss range from up to £9,260 for slight tinnitus to £144,860 for total deafness. Successful claims also recover special damages such as lost earnings, pension loss, hearing aids and care, which often exceed the general damages award.
Judicial College Guidelines
General damages bands for hearing loss & tinnitus
Indicative figures from the 18th edition (April 2026) of the Judicial College Guidelines. Your final award depends on severity, age, work impact and medical evidence.
| Severity | Indicative range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Slight tinnitus or slight NIHL alone | Up to £9,260 | Symptoms noticeable in quiet conditions only. |
| Slight or occasional tinnitus with slight NIHL | £9,720 – £16,640 | Both present, neither significantly disabling. |
| Mild tinnitus with some NIHL | £16,640 – £19,680 | Mild tinnitus or mild NIHL alone: around £15,480. |
| Moderate tinnitus and NIHL — or moderate to severe tinnitus or NIHL alone | £19,680 – £39,250 | Material impact on daily activities, work and sleep. |
| Severe tinnitus and NIHL | £39,250 – £60,160 | Substantial functional impairment. |
| Total loss of hearing in one ear | £41,370 – £60,160 | Higher within band where there is associated tinnitus, dizziness or headaches. |
| Total deafness | £119,890 – £144,860 | Up to £185,840 where speech is also lost. |
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 you can 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.
Related guides
- Military hearing loss special damages: earnings, hearing aids, and pension losses explained
- Military hearing loss no win no fee: how the CFA works for veterans
- Matrix Agreement hearing loss: what the scheme means and how to register
- Military tinnitus claim: causes, eligibility, and compensation in the UK
Want a realistic valuation of your claim?
Get a free, no-obligation eligibility check. If you may have a claim, we refer you to an independent regulated law firm, usually on no win, no fee terms.