Question 1

Who is eligible to make a military hearing loss claim?

Accepted Answer

Any current or former member of the UK Armed Forces — Army, RAF, Royal Navy, or Royal Marines — who has suffered hearing loss or tinnitus as a result of noise exposure during service may be eligible. This includes both those still serving and veterans who left service years or decades ago.

Question 2

How long do I have to make a claim?

Accepted Answer

Generally, you have three years from when you first became aware (or should reasonably have become aware) that your hearing loss was linked to military service. This is known as the 'date of knowledge.' Even if your service ended many years ago, you may still be within time. We can assess your individual circumstances.

Question 3

What does 'No Win, No Fee' mean?

Accepted Answer

Under a No Win, No Fee agreement (Conditional Fee Agreement), you do not pay legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful. If your claim succeeds, a success fee is deducted from your compensation — this is capped by law. You will never be asked to pay money upfront.

Question 4

How much compensation could I receive?

Accepted Answer

Compensation varies depending on the severity of your hearing loss, whether you have tinnitus, and how your condition affects your daily life. Awards in the UK typically range from a few thousand pounds for mild hearing loss to significant sums for severe bilateral hearing loss with tinnitus. We can provide a more accurate estimate after assessing your case.

Question 5

Do I need medical evidence to make a claim?

Accepted Answer

You will need audiological evidence (a hearing test) to support your claim. If you don't already have recent test results, we can arrange for you to be assessed by a specialist audiologist or ENT consultant as part of the claims process, usually at no upfront cost to you.

Question 6

Will I need to go to court?

Accepted Answer

The vast majority of military hearing loss claims are settled out of court through negotiation. Court proceedings are only necessary if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Your legal team will advise you throughout and represent you if a hearing is needed.

Question 7

I left the military decades ago. Can I still claim?

Accepted Answer

Potentially, yes. The limitation period runs from your 'date of knowledge' — the point at which you became aware that your hearing loss was connected to your military service. Many veterans only make this connection years after leaving. We assess each case individually.

Question 8

What causes hearing loss in the military?

Accepted Answer

Common causes include exposure to weapons fire, artillery, explosions, aircraft engines, ship engine rooms, armoured vehicle noise, and heavy machinery. In many cases, hearing protection was either inadequate or not provided at all, particularly in earlier decades of service.

Question 9

What is tinnitus and can I claim for it?

Accepted Answer

Tinnitus is the perception of sound — such as ringing, buzzing, whistling, or hissing — when no external sound is present. It is very common among military personnel and can be extremely distressing. Yes, you can claim compensation for tinnitus, either on its own or alongside hearing loss.

Question 10

How long does the claims process take?

Accepted Answer

Timescales vary depending on the complexity of your case and whether the MOD disputes liability. Straightforward claims can sometimes be resolved within 12 to 18 months. More complex cases may take longer. We keep you informed throughout.

Question 11

Is my claim against the MOD?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Military hearing loss claims are typically brought against the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on the basis that they failed in their duty of care to protect your hearing during service.

Question 12

Will making a claim affect my pension or benefits?

Accepted Answer

A civil compensation claim is separate from your military pension and war pension/Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) payments. Making a claim should not affect your existing entitlements. However, we recommend discussing your specific circumstances with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do I Need to Know About Military Hearing Loss Claims?

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