Military Claims · Hearing Loss in the Military
Hearing Loss in the Military — Is This You?
A Starting Point for Serving Personnel and Veterans with Armed Forces Hearing Loss
Part of our wider Military Claims services
No obligation — speak to us first.
Confidential advice for serving personnel and veterans across England and Wales.
Hearing loss in the military is one of the most common service-related conditions affecting UK Armed Forces personnel. Prolonged exposure to loud noise — from weapons, vehicles, aircraft and training exercises — can cause lasting hearing damage that may not become fully apparent until years after service. Armed forces hearing loss affects veterans from all branches: Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Reserves.
This page is designed to help you understand whether your symptoms might be connected to your service — and whether you may have options for an armed forces hearing loss claim. It is not a legal assessment. If you want to understand your specific position, speak to us.
Common Symptoms of Hearing Loss in the Military
- Ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Difficulty following conversations, especially in noisy environments
- Needing to turn up the TV or phone volume
- Asking people to repeat themselves
- Gradual or sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
- Sensitivity to loud sounds
These symptoms of military hearing loss can develop gradually over time. Many people do not connect them to their service until years later.
Common Causes of Armed Forces Hearing Loss
Hearing damage in the Armed Forces is most commonly associated with:
- Firearms and weapons fire
- Armoured vehicles and heavy machinery
- Aircraft and helicopter noise
- Explosions and blast exposure
- Training exercises involving loud noise
What If My Military Hearing Loss Started After I Left the Forces?
This is very common. Hearing damage caused during service often continues to worsen after discharge, and tinnitus may not become noticeable until the background noise of service life is removed. Army hearing loss and other armed forces hearing loss conditions frequently emerge or worsen post-discharge.
You do not need to be currently serving to make an armed forces hearing loss claim. Veterans regularly bring successful military hearing claims for hearing loss and tinnitus that developed or worsened after leaving the Forces.
Is This Page for You?
This page is specifically for people with hearing loss in the military context:
- Current serving members of the UK Armed Forces
- Reservists (Army Reserve, Royal Naval Reserve, RAF Reserve)
- Veterans who have left the Forces with army hearing loss or other armed forces hearing loss
If your hearing loss is not connected to military service, we may still be able to help — please contact us to discuss your circumstances.
What Are Your Next Steps for an Armed Forces Hearing Loss Claim?
Read the Full Military Hearing Loss Claims Page
Detailed information about claim routes, eligibility and the process for armed forces hearing loss claims.
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No obligation. We'll explain your options for a military hearing claim clearly before any work begins.
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Jonathan Cloudsdale
Head of Military Legal Services
Over 10 years' specialist experience in complex military claims, personal injury, industrial disease and catastrophic injuries. Multiple six-figure settlements achieved.
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