How to Make a Military Hearing Loss Claim - Timeline & Compensation

Claim compensation for noise-induced hearing loss or tinnitus from military service

If you served in the British Army, Royal Navy, RAF or Royal Marines and suffered hearing damage, you may be entitled to compensation — even if you left service many years ago or live abroad.

Who Can Make a Military Hearing Loss Claim?

You may be eligible if any of the following apply to you.

SERVICE BRANCH
You served in the British Army, Royal Navy, RAF, or Royal Marines
EXPOSURE TYPE
You were exposed to excessive noise
CONDITION
You developed hearing loss, tinnitus, or related symptoms
DATE OF OCCURRENCE
You served after May 1987
Civilian MOD employees working in high-noise environments may also qualify. Claims can be made even if you left service many years ago or currently live abroad.
Check your eligibility

How a claim progresses — stage by stage

A typical military hearing loss claim moves through 7 phases. Timescales vary by complexity and evidence availability.

1

STAGE 1

Initial Consultation
(1–2 weeks)

Eligibility review, service record overview, symptom assessment, and explanation of the No Win, No Fee arrangement.

Free • No obligation
2

STAGE 2

Initial Medical Assessment
(3–4 weeks)

Professional audiology examination to determine the likely presence and severity of noise-induced hearing loss.

BSA-recommended guidelines
3

STAGE 3

Evidence Gathering
(5–8 weeks)

Collection and review of service records, preparation of statements, and assessment of supporting documentation.

No action needed from you
4

STAGE 4

Letter of Claim
(1–8 weeks)

Compilation of supporting evidence and formal submission of the claim to the Ministry of Defence.

Formal legal submission
5

STAGE 5

MOD Investigation
(Longest Phase)

The Ministry of Defence reviews records, may arrange its own medical assessment, and determines liability.

MOD-controlled timescale
6

STAGE 6

Negotiation & Settlement
(2–4 months)

Consideration of settlement offers, valuation discussions, and agreement where appropriate.

We negotiate for you
7

STAGE 7

Payment & Closure
(2–4 weeks)

Authorisation, transfer of funds, and formal conclusion of the case.

Compensation received

What can speed up or delay your claim

Factors That Can Typically Speed Up Claims

Complete and accurate service documentation
Strong and consistent medical evidence
Prompt attendance at medical appointments
Clear exposure history
Experienced legal representation, as provided by our appointed specialist solicitors BC Legal

Factors That Can Typically Delay Claims

Disputed liability
Missing or incomplete records
Complex service histories
Ministry of Defence backlog
Requirement for court proceedings

How Much Compensation Could You Receive?

Typically, the amount of compensation depends on:

Severity of hearing loss
Presence and impact of tinnitus
Effect on employment and career progression
Ongoing medical needs
Impact on daily life

Awards vary considerably depending on individual circumstances. Some claims may result in compensation of many thousands of pounds.

A detailed assessment is required before any estimate can be provided.

Evidence and Medical Requirements

Successful claims rely on evidence such as:

Service records
Audiograms conducted during or after service
Independent medical reports
Occupational exposure history
Documentation of symptoms and progression

An independent hearing assessment will be arranged for you to establish diagnosis and causation. This is a premium service carried out in accordance with British Society of Audiology recommended guidelines for audiometry. It will be combined with a professional assessment of your present and likely future condition. (An alternative test conducted under less than strict and rigorous conditions could result in a rejected claim.)

There is no upfront cost to you under the No Win, No Fee agreement described on the Home Page.

Start your claim today