Former Soldier Medically Discharged Following Military Hearing Loss

A former British Army soldier is pursuing legal action against the Ministry of Defence (MoD) after developing permanent hearing loss that ultimately led to their medical discharge from service.

After more than a decade in the military, the former soldier says repeated exposure to weapons fire, military vehicles and training exercises contributed to significant hearing damage, affecting both their career and future employment prospects.

Their case comes among a wider rise in military hearing loss claims, with the number of claims brought against the MoD increasing by 52% between 2023/24 and 2024/25.

As legal proceedings continue, their experience highlights the lasting impact that noise exposure can have on serving personnel and veterans alike.

Case study: a medical hearing loss claim

The ex-British Army soldier is currently receiving legal support from UK solicitor Simpson Millar after over a decade of military service.

The now-veteran says they experienced routine exposure to noises generated by the following:

SA80 rifles and light support weapons

General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs)

Grenades and explosive training devices

Live-fire range exercises

Armoured fighting vehicles and military equipment
Overhead weapon systems mounted on military vehicles

They say that double hearing protection was initially provided in the form of earplugs and external ear defenders, but this made communication difficult during training exercises. It was later replaced with electronic “active hearing defence” systems, which are designed to allow communication while reducing exposure to harmful noise levels.

In 2020, during overseas training exercises, the former soldier reported that they and their colleagues were told to stop using active hearing protection and to rely on standard earplugs during live-fire exercises and weapons training. They believe this contributed to their hearing deteriorating.

Discovery of army hearing loss

After the serviceperson was put on restricted duties, they returned to full service and had routine hearing assessments. The tests showed a significant reduction in hearing ability, and as a result, they didn’t pass.

The ex-personnel member says that duties involving exposure to firearms and military noise then carried on before further specialist investigations were arranged. These identified hearing damage, and they were medically discharged from the Army in 2025 because the hearing loss meant they no longer met the medical standards required for service.

Impact on the former-soldier’s life

The former soldier believes that repeated exposure to excessive noise, paired with occasions when appropriate hearing protection was not adequately provided, used or enforced, caused permanent hearing damage.

As a result, they:

Were diagnosed with hearing loss
Had to leave their military career
Face uncertainty about future employment

Situations like the above can have a significant, life-changing impact on a person’s career and plans for the future.

Expert evidence in the military hearing loss claim

Simpson Millar’s military claims team is representing the former soldier in a military noise-induced hearing loss (MNIHL) claim against the MoD, and court proceedings are underway.

Liability (whether the MoD is legally responsible for the injury) is still up in the air, and negotiations are ongoing about damages (the compensation that may be awarded) for the hearing injury and related financial losses, including future loss of earnings and the impact of the medical discharge.

To figure out the extent of the injury and the associated financial losses, a range of medical and expert evidence has been gathered, including:

Audiogram testing: a hearing test that measures how well a person hears sounds at different volumes and pitches
Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist evidence: an assessment from a doctor who specialises in conditions of the ear, nose and throat
Auditory perception and hearing-aid specialist assessment: how the hearing loss affects everyday listening and what support, such as hearing aids, may help
Employment expert advice: how the injury may affect future career prospects and earnings

Could you claim for military hearing loss?

It might be possible to investigate a claim where hearing damage is believed to have resulted from military duties. This can include regular exposure to firearms, explosions, aircraft, armoured vehicles and other high-noise environments, particularly where hearing protection may not have been adequate or consistently used.

If you have been affected by noise exposure during military service, you can contact Veterans Welfare Group. Our tailored signposting service means we can point you to the best possible solicitor in our network, to potentially pursue a UK military hearing loss claim.

How Veterans Welfare Group can help

Military hearing loss may lead to medical downgrading and medical discharge, which can be life-changing for anyone.

We offer award-winning advice and guidance that’s rooted in lived experience of the armed forces. If you’re transitioning back into civilian life or have been out of service for some time and would like support, Veterans Welfare Group can help you with:

- Rehabilitation & Care: Find the right support for your recovery and physical wellbeing via specialist care providers.
- Resettlement Support: Employment and education support helps you with any adjustments you may need when it comes to adapting to life after the forces.
- Wellbeing Services: Wellbeing specialists offer mental health support for ex-military personnel, including counselling, therapy, and more.
- Legal Advice: Access legal professionals who understand military injury claims and can guide you seamlessly through the process.