The Royal British Legion estimates around 300,000 ex-armed forces personnel suffer from noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus.  Being surrounded by loud noises on a regular basis may seem like an obvious consequence of serving in the Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force. However, the Ministry of Defence owes a duty of care to servicemen and women, like any other employer. If this has been breached you may be entitled to compensation.

Can You Claim?

If you believe you are suffering from hearing loss and/or tinnitus as a result of exposure to noise throughout your career in the Armed Forces you may be entitled to make a claim for civil compensation. You are entitled to make a claim even if:-

• You are still serving
• Part of your service was prior to 1987 when Crown Immunity was in place
• You have made a successful claim through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or the War Pension Scheme
• You were denied a payment by the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or the War Pension Scheme

Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is often not immediately apparent and can be so gradual that you may not even realise that you have been a victim of noise induced hearing loss.

The typical markers for noise induced hearing loss include:

• Being told by family members that the television/radio is too loud
• Asking people to repeat themselves
• Having difficulty understanding conversations in crowded rooms
• Hearing muffled speech

Many people who suffer from hearing loss also report hearing a ringing, whooshing, humming or buzzing in the ears which is more commonly known as tinnitus.

In some cases ears are so sensitive that sufferers report feeling pain in their ears when they are exposed to loud noises (known as hyperacusis).

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you may be suffering from noise induced hearing loss.

Contact Us

If you think that you are suffering from hearing loss as a result of your Armed Forces career, please contact us or text Legal Forces to 88440 and we will contact you by telephone.

If we believe that you have a good case we may act for you on a no win no fee basis.

If you are a veteran or a current serving member of the Forces we offer a number of military discounts which can be found here.

Alternatively you can register your interest with us by completing the online form here: