Military Deafness Claims — Armed Forces Hearing Loss Compensation

Last reviewed: June 2026 · EA Personal Injury Solicitors

Veterans and serving personnel who have developed hearing loss or tinnitus from military noise exposure may be entitled to civil compensation from the Ministry of Defence. EA Personal Injury Solicitors handles military deafness claims on a no win, no fee basis.

TL;DR — Quick Summary

Key Points

The MOD owes serving personnel a duty of care — breach causing hearing loss gives rise to a civil claim
Three-year limitation period runs from date of knowledge, not date of discharge
AFCS payments and civil claims are separate — we can advise on the best approach
Tinnitus accompanying hearing loss significantly increases compensation value
No win, no fee — if the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation

Military Noise Exposure and Hearing Damage

The armed forces environment exposes personnel to some of the most intense noise sources encountered in any occupational setting. A single rifle shot can reach 160dB at the shooter's ear — far exceeding the level that causes immediate, irreversible damage to cochlear hair cells. Artillery fire, mortar rounds, explosions, jet aircraft and helicopter operations, and high-powered naval vessels all present serious risks to hearing health.

Despite awareness of the risk, many veterans report being given inadequate hearing protection, having it issued but poorly fitted, or being in environments where its use was impractical. The MOD has known about the risk of noise-induced hearing loss since at least the 1960s and has an obligation to manage that risk for all serving personnel.

Civil Negligence Claim vs AFCS

There are two main legal avenues for armed forces hearing loss:

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)

The AFCS is a no-fault scheme administered by Veterans UK. Claims are assessed against a tariff. Hearing loss is assessed on the basis of the degree of impairment — the scheme does not require proof of negligence. However, AFCS tariff payments are often modest and do not compensate for special damages such as lost earnings, care costs or the consequential impact on working life.

Civil Negligence Claim Against the MOD

A civil negligence claim requires proof that the MOD breached its duty of care to you and that breach caused or contributed to your hearing loss. The potential award is significantly higher than under AFCS, particularly where the hearing loss is severe and has affected employment. Legal advice is essential on whether a civil claim or AFCS (or both) is appropriate in your particular circumstances.

Evidence in Military Deafness Claims

Service records are central to a military deafness claim. They document your roles, postings, any reported noise exposure, and any audiometric assessments or hearing complaints noted during service. We can assist you in making a Subject Access Request to the MOD for your medical records and service documents. An ENT specialist or audiologist will review your records and carry out an audiometric assessment to confirm the diagnosis and express an opinion on causation.

Time Limits for Military Deafness Claims

The three-year period begins when you knew (or ought reasonably to have known) that you had a significant hearing impairment and that it was caused by your military service. Many veterans make contact years after leaving the forces and are still well within the limitation period. Do not assume you are out of time without taking advice.

No Win, No Fee Military Deafness Claims

We act under a Conditional Fee Agreement. If the claim fails, you pay nothing. If the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim against the MOD for hearing loss from military service?

Yes. The Ministry of Defence owes serving personnel a duty of care in negligence. Where the MOD failed to provide adequate hearing protection, reduce noise at source, or monitor hearing health, and this contributed to your hearing loss, you may have a valid civil compensation claim.

Can I claim the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) and also sue the MOD?

The AFCS and a civil negligence claim are separate processes. AFCS is a no-fault scheme but the tariff payments are typically modest. A civil negligence claim requires proof of fault but can result in significantly higher compensation, particularly where your hearing loss is severe. You can apply for AFCS and also pursue a civil claim, but receiving AFCS payments may affect your civil damages.

I left the forces many years ago — am I out of time?

Not necessarily. The three-year limitation period runs from the date of knowledge — when you knew (or ought to have known) your hearing loss was significant and that it was caused by your military service. Many veterans contact us years after leaving the forces and are still within time.

What sources of noise during military service cause claims?

Firearms, including rifles, machine guns, artillery and mortars; aircraft noise including jet engines and helicopter operations; explosions, demolition and ordnance disposal; and heavy military vehicles and equipment are all common sources of damaging noise exposure in military service.

What evidence do I need for a military deafness claim?

Your service record, discharge medical documents, audiometric assessments, and a report from an ENT specialist or audiologist linking your hearing loss to your military noise exposure. We can assist you in obtaining your service records from the MOD.

Does it matter whether I was a regular or reserve member?

Both regular and reserve personnel can make civil compensation claims for hearing loss caused by military service. The duty of care applies equally during qualifying service.

Published by EA Personal Injury Solicitors

Edward and Amaury Limited · SRA No. 800525

Verify the firm and its regulated people on the SRA Register. General information only; this is not legal advice.