Free check · 60 seconds
Am I eligible to claim for military hearing loss?
Answer five short questions to see whether your circumstances meet the broad qualifying criteria for a UK military deafness claim. Anonymous and no obligation.
Direct answer
Eligibility for a UK military hearing loss claim turns on three factors: service exposure to harmful noise on or after 15 May 1987, a diagnosis of noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus, and bringing the claim within three years of the date of knowledge under the Limitation Act 1980, or registering under the Matrix Agreement by 31 January 2027.
Question 1 of 5
Did you serve with the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, RAF or Reserves?
Question 2 of 5
Did at least part of your service fall on or after 15 May 1987?
Crown Immunity for service-related personal injury was lifted on this date by the Crown Proceedings (Armed Forces) Act 1987.
Question 3 of 5
Were you exposed to harmful noise during service?
Examples: weapons firing, artillery, armoured vehicles, jet or helicopter engines, ships' engine rooms, EOD, demolition.
Question 4 of 5
Do you have hearing loss, tinnitus, hyperacusis or acoustic shock symptoms?
Question 5 of 5
When did you first know your symptoms might be linked to service?
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you usually have 3 years from this 'date of knowledge' to bring a claim — but the court has discretion under s.33 to extend it.
This tool is a general guide and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on facts that only a solicitor can confirm after reviewing your service record and medical evidence.
FAQs
About this eligibility check
No. It is a guide only, based on the broad qualifying criteria for a UK military hearing loss claim. Whether you have a viable claim depends on your service record, medical evidence and the circumstances of your noise exposure — your solicitor will give you a definitive answer after reviewing those.
Related guides
- Military hearing loss claim deadline: the Matrix Agreement's 31 January 2027 cut-off explained
- Can you claim for military hearing loss after leaving army service?
- Can you claim for military hearing loss if you wore hearing protection?
- Matrix Agreement hearing loss: what the scheme means and how to register
Ready to take the next step?
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.