Military Hearing Claims UKVeterans’ Hearing Loss Claims

Conditions

Military hearing conditions we claim for

If you developed any of the following service-related hearing conditions after 15 May 1987, you may have a viable claim against the Ministry of Defence.

Direct answer

The four most claimed military hearing injuries are noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), tinnitus, hyperacusis and acoustic shock from blast exposure. All are compensable under English law where service negligence on or after 15 May 1987 can be shown.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Permanent damage to the cochlear hair cells caused by repeated exposure to harmful noise without adequate protection.

  • Audiologically NIHL typically presents as a high-frequency notch on pure-tone audiometry, often centred around 4 kHz with some recovery at higher frequencies.
  • It is irreversible. Hearing aids amplify what remains; they do not restore lost frequencies.
  • Common military causes include small-arms ranges, support weapons, mortars, artillery, demolitions, armoured vehicle interiors, jet and helicopter operations, and ship machinery spaces.

Tinnitus

Persistent ringing, buzzing, hissing or roaring in the ears, often accompanying NIHL and frequently bilateral.

  • Tinnitus is a common feature of military hearing claims and can be present with or without measurable audiometric loss.
  • Severe tinnitus disturbs sleep, concentration, mood and relationships. The Judicial College Guidelines recognise this and provide separate award bands.
  • Compensable independently of measurable hearing loss where causation is established on the medical evidence.

Hyperacusis

Painful or disabling sensitivity to ordinary everyday sounds.

  • Often follows blast or single-event acoustic trauma, but can develop alongside chronic NIHL.
  • May materially affect ability to work in environments with intermittent or unpredictable noise.
  • Diagnosis typically involves loudness discomfort level (LDL) testing by an experienced audiologist.

Acoustic Shock & Blast Injury

Sudden hearing damage from a single high-intensity event — for example IED detonations, mortar fire, or close-proximity weapons discharge.

  • May be associated with vestibular symptoms (vertigo, balance disturbance) or perforation of the tympanic membrane.
  • Symptoms can present immediately or develop over time. Early ENT review and audiometry are evidentially important.
  • Frequently overlaps with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI); both should be assessed where indicated.

Compensation is assessed by reference to the Judicial College Guidelines for the Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases (current edition) and the individual evidence in your case.

Eligibility

Who can make a military deafness claim?

  • Service connection — You served in the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines or RAF (regular or reserve, including Gurkhas and Commonwealth recruits).
  • Qualifying period — At least part of your service falls on or after 15 May 1987 (the date Crown Immunity ended). Pre-1987 exposure is not actionable; post-1987 exposure is.
  • Noise exposure — You were exposed to harmful noise (weapons, vehicles, aircraft, machinery, demolitions) without adequate, correctly fitted hearing protection.
  • Diagnosed loss — You have an audiology report, or symptoms consistent with NIHL or tinnitus.
  • Within limitation — Three years from the date of knowledge under the Limitation Act 1980, with court discretion under section 33 to extend in appropriate cases.
How a claim works Free eligibility check

AFCS vs Civil Claim

The difference between an AFCS award and a civil claim

These are two separate compensation routes, with different rules and decision-makers. You may be able to pursue both.

 AFCSCivil claim
BasisNo-fault tariff schemeNegligence-based common law claim
Award structureTariff bandsAssessed on evidence (Judicial College Guidelines)
Loss of earningsLimited (e.g. GIP element where eligible)Recoverable in full where proven
Decision-makerVeterans UKMoD legal team / civil court
Time limitGenerally 7 years (with exceptions)3 years from date of knowledge
InteractionMay be taken into account in any civil settlement to prevent double recoveryDoes not affect AFCS entitlement

Source: Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Order 2011 (as amended); Limitation Act 1980. This summary is general guidance only.

FAQs

Conditions & evidence — common questions

Specific to the medical and evidential side of military hearing claims.

  • Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 the lower exposure action value is 80 dB(A) daily personal exposure and the upper exposure action value is 85 dB(A). The exposure limit value is 87 dB(A) (taking into account hearing protection). Military weapons, aircraft, vehicles and machinery routinely produce noise above these thresholds, which is why hearing protection and audiometric surveillance are required by JSP 375.

Not sure if your condition qualifies?

Tell us your symptoms, your branch and your service dates — we’ll let you know in plain English whether you have a claim.

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