Military Hearing Loss Compensation

Compensation for service personnel

Serving in the armed forces often means working in dangerously noisy environments, both in training and in service – ranging from gunfire and explosions to jet engines and heavy military vehicles or machinery.

Such environments can lead to hearing damage, caused by both single loud sounds or constant high volumes of noise. It’s estimated that around 300,000 veterans and reservists from the Army, Royal Navy and RAF currently suffer from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) and tinnitus (a ringing, buzzing or humming noise in the ears) – and as the employer, the Ministry of Defence had a responsibility to protect you from such damage.

Ministry of Defence liability

In 1987, Crown Immunity – which protected the MoD from prosecution – was lifted, meaning veterans could claim compensation for personal injuries from their time in the forces. In cases of hearing loss, the symptoms often don’t show up until years after the damage was done, and in recent years a growing number of claims have been made – in 2023/24 the MoD had nearly 14,000 open personal injury claims, with the majority related to hearing damage.

As a result, a settlement scheme has been set up between the Ministry and law firms under which the MoD has accepted liability in principle for many service personnel exposed to excessive noise, particularly where hearing protection was inadequate or poorly enforced. A. group of test cases is currently being heard in the High Court to determine the level and matrix for compensation, and the outcome is expected in early 2026.

If you served in the armed forces after 1987 and have experienced hearing loss or tinnitus, you may be eligible for compensation. If you have a potential claim, it’s best to get it in as early as possible – so register now to receive updates as they are issued.