The Foundation of Successful Hearing Loss Claims
While a "No Win, No Fee" agreement can provide valuable financial relief in pursuing a military hearing loss compensation claim.
It’s essential to approach the process thoughtfully. Bluefields Medical, recommend you undergo a hearing test first to strengthen your claim and increase your chances of a successful outcome. By being well-prepared and informed, you can navigate the complexities of the compensation process with greater confidence.
Recent Breakthrough Developments
The legal environment for military hearing loss claims has improved significantly in 2025, with the MOD no longer raising multiple legal defences including limitation arguments and causation disputes that previously created barriers to successful claims. An agreement exists whereby the MOD has determined it will not raise defences involving the limitation period, together with Crown and Combat Immunity.
Prior to May 1987.
Up until 15th May 1987, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) had the protection of “Crown Immunity” and claims for hearing loss and other injuries couldn’t be made. However, service after 1987 does entitle personnel to certain Health & Safety law protection.
How far back can you claim.
You can claim for exposure to excessive noise for any service back to 1987. There are typically time limits for claiming of 3 years from when noise induced hearing loss was diagnosed however symptoms may only surface many years after exposure to noise.
New claims accepted.
As of July 2024, the MoD acknowledged that noise exposure during military service has contributed to hearing loss. This shift has allowed for an estimated 10,000 additional claims to be processed for veterans discharged post-1987.
Can I claim for tinnitus?
Absolutely. Tinnitus, which is often described as ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears, is one of the most common hearing-related conditions among military personnel. It can be debilitating, affecting sleep, concentration, and mental health.
Grounds for making hearing loss claim.
Whether you are still an active member of the armed forces or have left, you can claim for deafness, hearing loss, tinnitus and any other hearing problems which developed directly because of your military service. To make a successful claim, you need to be examined by a medical professional who will assess the extent of your hearing damage.
Compensation Payments
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has disclosed that over £360 million has been paid in hearing loss claims since 2003. This includes £110 million prior to 2015 and £250 million from 2016 onwards. Notably, this figure does not cover claims from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or the War Pension Scheme due to data gaps.
The Critical Importance of Pre-Claim Hearing Assessment
The most significant step you can take before pursuing any hearing loss compensation claim is obtaining a thorough assessment through civilian medical services. Without a hearing test you may find yourself proceeding with a claim that ultimately cannot succeed, potentially exposing you to unexpected costs despite "No Win, No Fee" arrangements.
Undergoing a Hearing Test before filing a Military Hearing Loss Compensation Claim is crucial for several reasons:
Establishing Evidence
A hearing test provides objective medical evidence of the extent and nature of your hearing loss. This documentation is essential in substantiating your claim and demonstrating that your hearing impairment is related to your military service.
Understanding Your Condition
The test results help you understand the specifics of your hearing loss, including whether it is noise-induced or age-related. This information can guide your discussions with legal representatives and medical professionals
Strengthening Your Case
Claims for compensation often require clear evidence linking your hearing loss to service-related activities. A thorough assessment strengthens your case by providing a clear diagnosis and establishing a timeline of your hearing issues.
Identifying Treatment Options
A hearing test can also highlight potential treatment options, such as hearing aids or therapy, which may improve your quality of life. Understanding your hearing condition can empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
Preparing for Legal Proceedings
Having a hearing test completed before filing a claim can streamline the legal process, as it provides necessary information upfront, allowing your legal team to prepare a stronger case from the outset.
How to Claim for Compensation
If your hearing test results indicate significant hearing loss that may be related to your military service, you could be eligible for compensation through a military hearing loss claim. Bluefields Medical can introduce you to specialists hearing loss solicitors who are understand the complexities of military claims.
Getting my hearing test done first put me at ease
"Impressive! They arrived at my home in a van equipped with a hearing booth, so I didn’t have to travel anywhere. The audiologist was welcoming and conducted the assessment with great care. After the test, she informed me that I had hearing damage in my right ear and mentioned that I might have a potential hearing loss claim."
M Doyle
Ex-Royal Air Force
FAQ
Yes, Once an appointment is scheduled, Bluefields Medical will come directly to your home. Our mobile hearing clinic is fully outfitted with all of the necessary diagnostic and audiological equipment needed to conduct hearing test.