Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common injuries suffered by military personnel. Exposure to gunfire, explosions, aircraft engines, and heavy machinery without adequate hearing protection causes permanent damage that often only becomes apparent years after leaving service. If you served in the armed forces and have hearing loss or tinnitus, you may have a valid compensation claim.
Who Is Eligible to Claim?
You may be eligible to claim if you:
- Served in the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, or Royal Air Force
- Were exposed to loud noise during your service (weapons training, combat, aircraft, vehicles)
- Have been diagnosed with hearing loss or tinnitus
- Your hearing loss is at least partly attributable to your military service
- You are within the relevant time limits (see below)
The Time Limit Problem
This is where many veterans fall short. The standard limitation period for personal injury claims is three years from the date you knew (or ought reasonably to have known) that your hearing loss was caused by your military service. For many veterans, this 'date of knowledge' is not when they left the forces — it is when a doctor or audiologist first linked their hearing loss to their service. If you have recently received such a diagnosis, the clock may only just be starting.
How Much Compensation Could You Receive?
Compensation for military hearing loss varies depending on the severity of the condition. As a general guide:
- Mild hearing loss: £6,000 – £11,000
- Moderate hearing loss: £11,000 – £27,000
- Severe hearing loss: £27,000 – £45,000
- Tinnitus (alone): £6,000 – £14,000
- Combined hearing loss and tinnitus: higher awards reflecting both conditions
No Win No Fee
PDA Law handles military hearing loss claims on a no win no fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and nothing if your claim is unsuccessful. If we win, our fee is deducted from your compensation — and we will always tell you exactly what that means in pounds before you agree to proceed.
How to Start Your Claim
The process is straightforward. We will take a detailed statement about your service and the noise you were exposed to, arrange an independent audiological assessment, and submit your claim to the Ministry of Defence. Most claims are resolved within 12 to 18 months.
Do not assume it is too late to claim. Many veterans who contact us believe they have missed the deadline — but the three-year period often runs from a later date than they think. Contact us for a free, no-obligation assessment.