Military Legal Services · Hearing Loss Claims
The Matrix Agreement
How the MOD Matrix Agreement Affects Military Hearing Loss & Tinnitus Claims
Specialist military solicitors in Chester advising on Matrix Agreement settlements and whether a higher award may be achievable.
No Win, No Fee
Military Injury Claims on a No Win, No Fee Basis
We handle military injury claims under a Conditional Fee Agreement — meaning you pay nothing upfront and nothing if your claim is unsuccessful. If your claim succeeds, a success fee (capped at 25% of your damages) is deducted from your compensation. You will never be out of pocket.
Judicial College Guidelines
Typical Damages for Military Injuries
The figures below are general damages guidelines from the Judicial College Guidelines (18th Edition) — the reference used by courts and insurers across England and Wales to value injury claims. They cover pain, suffering and loss of amenity only.
In military injury cases, the total value of a claim is often substantially higher once special damages are included — past and future care costs, loss of earnings, rehabilitation, specialist equipment and home adaptations. Civil claims against the MOD can result in higher awards than AFCS tariff payments.
Every case is different. Jonathan Cloudsdale will give you a realistic, honest assessment of what your specific claim may be worth — at no cost and with no obligation.
Hearing Loss & Tinnitus (Military)
Total deafness and loss of speech
£144,860 – £185,840
Deafness at an early age preventing or seriously affecting development of normal speech
Total deafness (both ears)
£119,890 – £144,860
Lower end where no speech deficit or tinnitus; higher end where both are present
Total loss of hearing in one ear
£41,370 – £60,160
Towards higher end where associated problems such as tinnitus, dizziness or headaches
Severe tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)
£39,250 – £60,160
Severe tinnitus combined with significant NIHL
Moderate tinnitus and NIHL, or moderate to severe tinnitus or NIHL alone
£19,680 – £39,250
Moderate tinnitus with moderate NIHL, or either condition at moderate to severe level
Mild tinnitus with some NIHL
£16,640 – £19,680
Mild tinnitus combined with some noise-induced hearing loss
Mild tinnitus alone or mild NIHL alone
Around £15,480
Either condition in isolation at mild level
Slight or occasional tinnitus with slight NIHL
£9,720 – £16,640
Slight or occasional tinnitus with slight noise-induced hearing loss
Slight NIHL without tinnitus or slight tinnitus without NIHL
Up to £9,260
Either condition in isolation at slight level
Acceleration of, or time-limited need for, hearing aids (5 years)
Around £6,610
E.g. period until surgical cure for conductive hearing loss, or acceleration period for sensorineural hearing loss
Acceleration of, or time-limited need for, hearing aids (15 years)
Around £12,820
Longer acceleration period for sensorineural hearing loss
| Injury Type | Guideline Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total deafness and loss of speech | £144,860 – £185,840 | Deafness at an early age preventing or seriously affecting development of normal speech |
| Total deafness (both ears) | £119,890 – £144,860 | Lower end where no speech deficit or tinnitus; higher end where both are present |
| Total loss of hearing in one ear | £41,370 – £60,160 | Towards higher end where associated problems such as tinnitus, dizziness or headaches |
| Severe tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) | £39,250 – £60,160 | Severe tinnitus combined with significant NIHL |
| Moderate tinnitus and NIHL, or moderate to severe tinnitus or NIHL alone | £19,680 – £39,250 | Moderate tinnitus with moderate NIHL, or either condition at moderate to severe level |
| Mild tinnitus with some NIHL | £16,640 – £19,680 | Mild tinnitus combined with some noise-induced hearing loss |
| Mild tinnitus alone or mild NIHL alone | Around £15,480 | Either condition in isolation at mild level |
| Slight or occasional tinnitus with slight NIHL | £9,720 – £16,640 | Slight or occasional tinnitus with slight noise-induced hearing loss |
| Slight NIHL without tinnitus or slight tinnitus without NIHL | Up to £9,260 | Either condition in isolation at slight level |
| Acceleration of, or time-limited need for, hearing aids (5 years) | Around £6,610 | E.g. period until surgical cure for conductive hearing loss, or acceleration period for sensorineural hearing loss |
| Acceleration of, or time-limited need for, hearing aids (15 years) | Around £12,820 | Longer acceleration period for sensorineural hearing loss |
These are guidelines only
Compensation figures are general damages guidelines only. Your actual award will depend on the specific facts of your case, the severity of your injury, its impact on your life and employment, and the claim route taken. Civil claims against the MOD can result in higher awards than AFCS tariff payments. Special damages (care costs, loss of earnings, rehabilitation) are calculated separately and can significantly increase the total value of your claim. Speak to Jonathan Cloudsdale for a free, no-obligation assessment of your specific circumstances.
What is the Matrix Agreement?
The Matrix Agreement (formally the “Agreed Matrix of Hearing Loss”) is a framework agreed between the Ministry of Defence and claimant solicitors for valuing and settling civil claims for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus caused by military service.
It provides a structured approach to assessing the level of hearing impairment and calculating compensation, reducing the need for lengthy litigation in straightforward cases. Compensation is calculated by reference to the level of hearing impairment (measured in decibels across specific frequencies) and the presence and severity of tinnitus.
While the Matrix Agreement is a useful tool, it does not always produce the best outcome for claimants — particularly in cases involving severe hearing loss, significant tinnitus, or where the impact on employment and quality of life is substantial. We will always advise on whether a Matrix settlement is appropriate or whether a higher award may be achievable.
How the Matrix Agreement Works in Practice
- 1
Audiological Assessment
Your hearing is assessed by an audiologist. The results are measured in decibels across specific frequencies (typically 1, 2, 3 and 4 kHz) to determine the level of noise-induced hearing loss.
- 2
Tinnitus Assessment
The presence and severity of tinnitus is assessed separately. Tinnitus can significantly increase the value of a military hearing loss claim.
- 3
Matrix Calculation
The Matrix framework is applied to the audiological results to produce a compensation figure. We review this figure to ensure it is fair and reflects the full impact of your hearing loss.
- 4
Settlement or Litigation
If the Matrix figure is fair, we can negotiate a settlement with the MOD. If not, we advise on whether litigation is likely to produce a better outcome.
The Matrix Agreement — Common Questions
What is the Matrix Agreement?
The Matrix Agreement (formally the "Agreed Matrix of Hearing Loss") is a framework agreed between the Ministry of Defence and claimant solicitors for valuing and settling military hearing loss and tinnitus claims. It provides a structured approach to assessing the level of hearing impairment and calculating compensation, reducing the need for lengthy litigation in straightforward cases.
Does the Matrix Agreement apply to my military hearing loss claim?
The Matrix Agreement applies to civil claims against the MOD for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus caused by military service. It is most commonly used in cases where liability is accepted by the MOD. Not all military hearing loss claims are settled under the Matrix — we will advise on whether it applies to your circumstances and whether it produces a fair outcome.
How does the Matrix Agreement calculate compensation?
Under the Matrix Agreement, compensation is calculated by reference to the level of hearing impairment (measured in decibels across specific frequencies) and the presence and severity of tinnitus. The framework provides bands of compensation for different levels of impairment, taking into account the impact on daily life and employment.
Is a Matrix Agreement settlement always the best outcome?
Not necessarily. While the Matrix Agreement provides a useful framework for straightforward cases, it may not always produce the best outcome — particularly in cases involving severe hearing loss, significant tinnitus, or where the impact on employment and quality of life is substantial. We will always advise on whether a Matrix settlement is appropriate or whether a higher award may be achievable through litigation.
Can I still claim under the AFCS if my civil claim is settled under the Matrix Agreement?
The Matrix Agreement applies to civil claims against the MOD. The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) is a separate route. In some cases, both routes may be available. We will advise on the interaction between the two routes and which is most appropriate for your circumstances.
Your Military Claims Journey
Your Specialist Solicitor
Jonathan Cloudsdale
Head of Military Claims & Personal Injury
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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Speak to a Military Hearing Loss Solicitor
We will advise on whether a Matrix Agreement settlement is appropriate or whether a higher award may be achievable.
Prefer to speak with us? Call 01244 757352