Oliver & Co Solicitors welcome the recent High Court ruling that is set to provide clearer guidance on military hearing loss claims involving veterans of the UK Armed Forces.
Eagerly Awaited Decision
The decision in Abbott and Others v Ministry of Defence [2026] EWHC 941 (KB), was delivered by Mr Justice Garnham in the King’s Bench Division of the High Court on Friday, 24th April 2026. The case addressed claims of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) brought by former service personnel, with thousands of similar cases awaiting its outcome.
We see the ruling as a significant development for veterans affected by hearing damage and tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) as a result of their service. The impressive judgment offers important direction for individuals seeking fair evaluation and support for injuries sustained during military duty.
Dangers of excessive noise exposure in the military
Service in the Armed Forces often involves prolonged exposure to high levels of noise, including gunfire, explosions, aircraft, armoured vehicles and engineering activities. The Court acknowledged that the effect of such “impulse” noise exposure differs substantially from typical noisy workplace environments such as those experienced in factories.
Moore vs Lutman
A key finding in the judgment was that the conventional Coles 2000 method for diagnosing and quantifying hearing loss, which was endorsed in the litigation by the Defendant’s medical expert, Professor Lutman, is generally unsuitable for military cases. Instead, the Court approved a military specific diagnostic approach known as rM NIHL, developed by the Claimants’ medical expert, Professor Moore in 2022. This shift is likely to result in more veterans receiving compensation, and in higher amounts, as assessments based on the Coles method may have led to claimants being undercompensated.
The ruling also addressed several important issues, including how hearing loss should be measured, the role of military audiograms, the handling of tinnitus claims, and the circumstances in which the cost of private hearing aids may be recoverable.
Quality of Life Affected
At Oliver & Co, we represent hundreds of veterans who have shared the profound effects that hearing loss and tinnitus can have on their daily life. Many have highlighted the difficulty of everyday interactions, explaining that environments like pubs, restaurants or crowded public spaces can make conversation extremely challenging. As a result, some veterans avoid such settings altogether due to frustration, embarrassment or anxiety. Others are even more seriously affected and suffer with depression and in severe cases, suicidal ideation. Many are concerned about their futures and what would happen if they ever lost their job. They fear that they would be be prejudiced in their ability to gain alternative employment due to their issues.
Tinnitus Claims
Despite the MOD’s attempts to limit claims for tinnitus to cases where Claimants reported symptoms within 12 months of leaving service, the court accepted that claims can be brought some time after noise exposure has ceased, providing the evidence supports this.
James Cameron, Specialist Industrial Disease Solicitor and Head of Industrial Disease at Oliver & Co Solicitors said the judgment represents a major step forward:
“This decision marks an important moment for UK service personnel and veterans. For many, hearing loss and tinnitus are intrusive issues which have a permanent, damaging effect on their quality of life. The symptoms can impact upon family life, communication, employment, confidence and independence on a daily basis.
The comprehensive judgment can now be used to secure justice for thousands of men and women affected by the health and safety failings of the MOD and it is hoped that the Government will now look to progress the claims to a swift conclusion to avoid any further delay for Claimants and save on increased legal costs. I call for a scheme or framework to be put in place to ensure that Claimants are compensated as quickly as possible”
Only time will tell as to whether the MOD will now look to adopt such a framework with a view to streamlining settlements in these cases. We will continue to fight for justice for our clients who have been let down by the MOD and now suffer with permanent health issues arising from its negligence.
We Can Help
At Oliver and Co Solicitors, we specialise in military noise induced hearing loss claims, including tinnitus. We understand the process of dealing with the Ministry of Defence and recognise that even if tinnitus is an invisible injury, its effects are very real.
If you have served in the Armed Forces and are struggling with hearing loss or tinnitus, our expert Industrial Disease Solicitors can advise whether you can claim for compensation. Call us today on 01244 312306 or email law@oliverandco.co.uk for a free, no-obligation chat to see how we can help you. All of our work is carried out on a no win, no fee basis. We are here to help you.
