Support & Guidance for Military Hearing Loss Claims
Military Hearing Loss Claims | Support & Guidance
Military personnel are frequently exposed to environments where high-decibel sounds are part of daily operations. Gunfire, explosions, aircraft engines, and heavy machinery can all contribute to long-term hearing damage, often without immediate symptoms.
At Veterans Welfare Group, we understand that many veterans only realise the extent of their hearing loss years after leaving service. This delay can make it harder to trace the condition back to their time in uniform, but not impossible.
Causes of Military Hearing Loss
Source of Exposure | Common in These Roles |
Firearms and Explosives | Infantry, Artillery, Special Forces |
Aircraft and Helicopters | RAF, Navy aircrew, ground support |
Machinery and Vehicles | Engineers, Mechanics, Armoured Personnel |
Naval Operations | Ship engine rooms, sonar systems |
Symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss include:
- Difficulty hearing speech in noisy environments
- Persistent ringing or buzzing (tinnitus)
- Muffled or distorted hearing
- Needing to increase volume on devices
Recognising these symptoms early and seeking a proper diagnosis is essential to beginning your compensation journey.
If you’ve suffered from an injury that was directly caused by your service in any of the branches of the Armed Forces, including types of injuries such as hearing loss within the UK Armed Forces, the Veterans Welfare Group is here to guide you through each step of the process. – Call our specialist, veteran support team today to learn more about your pension options and post-discharge support.
Eligibility for Hearing Loss Compensation
One of the most common questions we hear at Veterans Welfare Group is: “Am I eligible to make a claim?”
The answer depends on a few key factors, but if your hearing loss was caused or made worse by your time in service, there’s a strong chance you qualify.
Eligibility criteria include
- A confirmed medical diagnosis of hearing loss or tinnitus
- Proof that the condition was caused by military service
- Submission of your claim within the legally allowed time frame
It’s also important for ex-armed forces members to know that even if you didn’t report your hearing loss during service, you may still be eligible to claim today.
Factors That May Affect Your Claim
These factors can increase or reduce your compensation:
- Duration of service in high-noise environments
- Delay in diagnosis or treatment
- Job role post-service (and any limitations caused by hearing loss)
- Quality and completeness of evidence provided
What You Need to Qualify for a Military-Induced Deafness Loss Claim
Requirement | Description |
Medical Evidence | Audiogram or diagnosis from a hearing specialist |
Service History Documentation | Proof of role and exposure to high-noise environments |
Legal Timeframe | In most cases, claims must be made within 3 years of diagnosis |
In many situations, veterans are unaware of the time limits involved. If you weren’t aware your hearing loss was service-related, that time limit may only start once you receive a diagnosis or realise the cause.
That’s why it’s crucial to contact us sooner rather than later. We’re here to help you assess your eligibility without pressure or obligation.
Supporting Documents for a Strong Loss of Hearing Claim
Document Type | Purpose |
Audiology Report | Confirms the extent and type of hearing loss |
Military Records | Links your hearing damage to noise exposure in the workplace |
Personal Statement | Describes the impact hearing loss has had on life |
Witness Statements | Optional but helpful from peers or commanding officers |
Once you’ve submitted your claim, the Ministry of Defence or its representatives may take several months to respond. We remain in contact during that time, advocating on your behalf to ensure nothing is delayed unnecessarily.
Estimated Compensation Amounts
While payouts vary depending on the severity of the hearing damage and the individual case, we have provided some general guidance based on our experience helping veterans across the UK.
At Veterans Welfare Group, we believe in being upfront and realistic. Compensation isn’t just about the hearing loss itself — it also reflects the impact on your daily life, career, and future health.
Typical Compensation Amounts
According to the latest guidelines, the 15th edition, some examples for a variety of military service-induced hearing damage are as follows:
| Condition | Estimated Compensation Range |
|---|---|
| Slight hearing loss | £4,850 to £8,250 |
| Mild tinnitus | £8,250 to £9,570 |
| Partial hearing loss with moderate hearing loss | £9,750 to £19,500 |
| Partial hearing loss with severe tinnitus | £19,500 to £30,000 |
| Loss of hearing in one ear | £20,500 to £30,000 |
| Total deafness | £59,500 to £72,000 |
The final amount may be influenced by:
- How early the condition was diagnosed
- Whether tinnitus is also present
- Career restrictions caused by the hearing damage.
- Psychological impacts, such as stress or anxiety
If you’re unsure about your benefit options leading up to your medical discharge or how to apply – the Veterans Welfare Group is here to help you navigate the options and access what you’re entitled to.
How We Help Veterans File Their Claims
At Veterans Welfare Group, we specialise in supporting former service personnel with hearing loss claims. We’ve built our approach around making the process easy, respectful, and results-focused.
Here’s why veterans across the UK trust us with their Military Injury claims:
- We only work with qualified legal experts in military compensation.
- Our process is fully confidential and stress-free.
- We operate on a no-win, no-fee basis — you’ll never pay out of pocket.
- We understand the emotional and physical toll of hearing loss.
Whether you’re recently diagnosed or have lived with hearing damage for years, we’re here to support you with the care and expertise you deserve.
