# Forces Hearing Claims — Full Documentation > Specialist solicitors for military hearing loss and tinnitus compensation claims in the UK. No Win, No Fee. ## Company Overview Forces Hearing Claims is a specialist legal service focused exclusively on hearing loss and tinnitus compensation claims for UK military personnel. We represent serving and former members of the British Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and Royal Marines. Our claims are brought against the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on the basis that it failed in its duty of care to adequately protect personnel from foreseeable noise-induced hearing damage. All claims are handled on a No Win, No Fee basis under Conditional Fee Agreements (CFAs), meaning clients pay nothing unless their claim succeeds. Website: https://military-deafness-compensation.com Email: info@military-deafness-compensation.com --- ## Services ### Army Deafness Claims URL: /services/army-deafness-claims British Army personnel face extreme noise from weapons fire, artillery, armoured vehicles, and explosions. We handle claims for soldiers from all regiments and corps. ### RAF Hearing Loss Claims URL: /services/raf-hearing-loss-claims Aircraft engines, ground crew environments, and engineering workshops expose RAF personnel to sustained high-decibel noise. Claims for aircrew, ground crew, engineers, and support staff. ### Royal Navy Hearing Claims URL: /services/royal-navy-hearing-claims Ship engine rooms, weapons systems, flight decks, and submarine compartments create intense noise. Claims for surface fleet, submarine, and shore-based personnel. ### Royal Marines Hearing Claims URL: /services/royal-marines-hearing-claims Combat training, live fire exercises, explosive breaching, and operational deployments create extreme noise exposure for Royal Marines. ### Tinnitus Compensation Claims URL: /services/tinnitus-compensation-claims Tinnitus — persistent ringing, buzzing, or whistling — is one of the most common conditions among military personnel. Can be claimed alongside hearing loss or standalone. ### Military NIHL Claims URL: /services/military-nihl-claims Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is permanent sensorineural damage caused by cumulative noise exposure or sudden acoustic trauma during service. ### Veterans Hearing Loss Claims URL: /services/veterans-hearing-loss-claims Veterans can claim even years after leaving service. The key factor is the "date of knowledge" — when you first became aware your hearing loss was connected to service. ### MOD Negligence Claims URL: /services/mod-negligence-claims Claims based on the MOD's failure to provide adequate hearing protection, conduct risk assessments, implement noise reduction measures, or carry out hearing surveillance. --- ## Claims Process 1. **Free Initial Assessment** — We review your service history and hearing symptoms at no cost. 2. **Gathering Service Records** — Military service records, postings, roles, and documented noise exposure. 3. **Independent Medical Assessment** — Audiological testing arranged with a specialist. 4. **Building Your Case** — Service records, medical evidence, and expert reports compiled. 5. **Submitting the Claim** — Formal claim submitted to the MOD. 6. **Settlement & Compensation** — Negotiation of general and special damages. --- ## Compensation Guide (Judicial College Guidelines, 17th Edition, 2024) ### General Damages (Pain, Suffering, Loss of Amenity) | Severity | Range | |----------|-------| | Total deafness (both ears) | £110,750 – £133,810 | | Total hearing loss (one ear) | £38,210 – £55,570 | | Severe NIHL with severe tinnitus | £36,260 – £55,570 | | Moderate NIHL and/or tinnitus | £18,180 – £36,260 | | Mild tinnitus with some NIHL | £15,370 – £18,180 | | Mild NIHL or mild tinnitus | ~£14,300 | | Slight tinnitus with slight NIHL | £8,890 – £15,370 | | Slight tinnitus or NIHL alone | Up to £8,560 | ### Special Damages (Additional) - Hearing aid costs and replacements - Loss of earnings (past and future) - Medical expenses and private treatment - Travel costs for appointments - Care and assistance costs --- ## Time Limits - Standard limitation: 3 years from "date of knowledge" - Date of knowledge = when you first knew hearing loss was linked to service - MOD deadline extension: 31 July 2026 (High Court-approved settlement scheme) - Courts have discretion under Section 33 of the Limitation Act 1980 to allow late claims --- ## Eligibility Criteria - Served in UK Armed Forces (any branch, any duration) - Exposed to harmful noise levels during service - Have hearing loss, tinnitus, or both - Hearing damage linked to military noise exposure - MOD failed to adequately protect hearing - No existing diagnosis needed to start — we arrange assessments - War Pension/AFCS awards do not prevent civil claims --- ## Medical Evidence Required - Pure tone audiogram (hearing test showing frequency-specific hearing levels) - ENT specialist report (diagnosis, cause, prognosis, impact) - Military audiometric records (baseline and periodic testing during service) - GP records documenting hearing complaints - Supporting witness statements --- ## No Win, No Fee Explained - Formal name: Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) - No upfront payment required - If unsuccessful: you pay nothing - If successful: success fee capped at 25% of relevant damages - After-the-Event (ATE) insurance covers opponent's costs if claim fails --- ## Common Causes of Military Hearing Loss - Weapons fire (150–170 dB per shot) - Artillery and mortars (180+ dB at firing position) - Aircraft and helicopter engines (120–140 dB sustained) - Armoured vehicles and tank interiors - Explosions and IEDs (blast wave acoustic trauma) - Ship engine rooms (100–120 dB continuous) - Confined submarine compartments --- ## MOD Duty of Care The MOD must: - Conduct noise risk assessments - Provide adequate hearing protection - Enforce use of protection - Implement noise reduction measures - Conduct baseline and periodic audiometric testing - Train personnel on hearing risks Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (replacing 1989 Regulations), the MOD has specific obligations for training environments and routine duties. --- ## Case Studies (Illustrative Examples) ### Artillery Veteran — £45,000 Royal Artillery gunner, 14 years service. Bilateral NIHL and tinnitus from howitzer fire. MOD failed to provide adequate hearing protection. ### RAF Ground Crew — £32,000 Aircraft technician, 12 years on flight line. Bilateral NIHL from jet engine noise. Progressive deterioration shown by comparing RAF audiometric records. ### Royal Navy Engineer — £28,000 Marine engineer, 15 years in ship engine rooms. Severe persistent tinnitus with significant impact on sleep, concentration, and mood. *Disclaimer: These are illustrative examples. Individual outcomes vary.* --- ## FAQ **Q: Who is eligible?** A: Any current or former UK Armed Forces member with hearing loss or tinnitus from military noise exposure. **Q: How long do I have to claim?** A: Three years from your date of knowledge. The MOD extended the deadline to 31 July 2026. **Q: What does No Win, No Fee mean?** A: No upfront costs. If your claim fails, you pay nothing. If successful, a capped success fee is deducted. **Q: How much compensation could I receive?** A: From a few thousand pounds for mild conditions to over £130,000 for total deafness, plus special damages. **Q: Do I need medical evidence?** A: We arrange independent audiological testing as part of the claims process. **Q: Will I need to go to court?** A: The vast majority of claims settle through negotiation without court proceedings. **Q: Can I claim if I left decades ago?** A: Potentially yes. The limitation runs from your date of knowledge, not when you left. **Q: Is my claim against the MOD?** A: Yes, on the basis that they failed in their duty of care. **Q: Will it affect my pension?** A: A civil claim is separate from military pension and AFCS payments. **Q: What causes military hearing loss?** A: Weapons fire, artillery, explosions, aircraft, ship engine rooms, armoured vehicles, and heavy machinery. **Q: What is tinnitus?** A: The perception of sound (ringing, buzzing, whistling) with no external source. Very common in military personnel. **Q: How long does the process take?** A: Straightforward claims may resolve in 12–18 months. Complex cases may take longer. --- ## Contact - Email: info@military-deafness-compensation.com - Website: https://military-deafness-compensation.com - Start a claim: /start-your-claim - Eligibility checker: /eligibility-checker - Compensation calculator: /compensation-calculator