Medical Evidence for Hearing Loss Claims

Why Does Medical Evidence Matter?

Medical evidence is the foundation of any hearing loss claim. It establishes the type, severity, and cause of your hearing loss, linking it to your military noise exposure. Without robust medical evidence, it is difficult to prove that your hearing damage was caused by your service rather than other factors.

What Is Pure Tone Audiometry?

The primary diagnostic tool for hearing loss claims is the pure tone audiogram. This test measures your ability to hear sounds at different frequencies and volumes. In noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), the audiogram typically shows a characteristic 'notch' — a dip in hearing ability at the 4 kHz or 6 kHz frequencies, with recovery at 8 kHz. This pattern helps distinguish NIHL from age-related hearing loss.

What Do ENT Specialist Reports Cover?

An independent Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist or audiological physician will examine you and provide a detailed medical report. This report typically covers:

• Your hearing history and symptoms • Clinical examination findings • Audiogram results and interpretation • Diagnosis and likely cause of hearing loss • Prognosis and whether deterioration is expected • Impact on daily life and employment

How Are Military Audiometric Records Used?

If available, audiograms taken during your military service are particularly valuable. Many service personnel undergo baseline hearing tests on entry and periodic testing during service. Comparing these with current audiograms can clearly demonstrate the deterioration in hearing that occurred during service.

What Other Supporting Evidence Helps?

Additional evidence that strengthens a claim includes:

• GP records documenting hearing complaints • Records of hearing aid prescriptions • Witness statements from colleagues or family about hearing difficulties • Service records showing postings to high-noise environments • Evidence of noise exposure levels in specific military roles