# Military Hearing Claims UK — Site Content Summary

## About this service
Military Hearing Claims UK is an independent claims assistance service
operated by Independent Medical Agency Limited (registered in England & Wales,
company number 15854870; registered office Trust House, 5 New Augustus Street,
Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 5LL). It is not a law firm and does not provide
legal advice. It helps serving and former members of the British Armed Forces
check whether they may have a civil claim against the Ministry of Defence for
noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus and, where appropriate, refers
them to independent law firms regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

## Conditions claimed for

### Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)
Permanent damage to the inner ear (cochlear hair cells) caused by repeated
exposure to harmful noise without adequate hearing protection. Common military
sources include weapons fire, artillery, jet and helicopter operations,
armoured vehicles and ship machinery spaces.

### Tinnitus
Persistent ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ears, frequently accompanying
NIHL. Severe tinnitus can disturb sleep, concentration and mental health and
is independently compensable.

### Hyperacusis
Painful or disabling sensitivity to ordinary everyday sounds, sometimes
following blast or single-event acoustic trauma.

### Acoustic shock and blast injury
Sudden hearing damage caused by a single high-intensity event such as IEDs,
mortars, or close-proximity weapons discharge.

## Eligibility
A claim is generally viable where:
1. The claimant served in the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines or RAF
   (regular or reserve).
2. They were exposed to harmful noise without adequate hearing protection.
3. They have an audiology report or symptoms consistent with NIHL or tinnitus.
4. Negligence on or after 15 May 1987 can be established (Crown Proceedings
   (Armed Forces) Act 1987 ended Crown Immunity).
5. The claim is brought within three years of the date of knowledge
   (Limitation Act 1980, s.11), subject to the court’s discretion under s.33.

## Claims process
1. Free eligibility check, then referral to an independent regulated law firm.
2. Independent audiology assessment and retrieval of service medical records.
3. Letter of claim to the Ministry of Defence under the Pre-Action Protocol
   for Personal Injury Claims.
4. Negotiation; litigation to trial where required.

## Funding
The eligibility check is free. Law firms typically run claims on a Conditional
Fee Agreement (no win, no fee), often supported by After-The-Event insurance.
The law firm explains all costs in writing before the agreement is signed.

## Compensation
Damages are assessed by reference to the Judicial College Guidelines for the
Assessment of General Damages in Personal Injury Cases, taking into account
severity, age and impact on work and quality of life. Past and future loss of
earnings, hearing-aid costs and care needs may be claimed in addition.

## Legal framework
- Crown Proceedings (Armed Forces) Act 1987
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
- JSP 375 — Management of Health and Safety in Defence
- Limitation Act 1980, ss.11 & 33
- Pre-Action Protocol for Personal Injury Claims

## Contact
Use the contact form on the website, or email info@military-deafness-claim.com,
for a free eligibility check.
Coverage: nationwide UK service.