For many veterans, the end of military service does not mean the end of its effects. Among the most common and least visible service-related conditions, is tinnitus.
What is tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing or whistling in the ears without an external sound. Often described as an “invisible injury,” tinnitus can have a profound impact on a person’s daily life.
Why are veterans and military personnel at risk?
Service in the Armed Forces frequently involves exposure to intense noise. Gunfire, artillery, aircraft engines, armoured vehicles, explosives and training exercises can all produce excessive levels of noise. Even short bursts of impulse noise such as rifle fire or blasts can damage the delicate hair cells within the inner ear.
Personnel from the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force may all be affected, particularly those serving in combat roles, on firing ranges, in engine rooms, or around aircrafts. Hearing protection standards are not always as robust or consistently enforced as they should be, leaving some veterans with lasting auditory damage.
What is impulse noise and why is it so damaging?
Noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus are amongst the most common service-related injuries in military personnel. Understanding the difference between impulse noise and continuous noise helps to explain why exposure to gunfire, for example, can cause immediate and permanent damage.
Impulse noise is sudden, intense, and short in duration. The level of noise produced from gun fire can exceed 140 -170 decibels, which is far above the threshold at which damage to hearing can occur. Unlike continuous noise, impulse noise does not require prolonged exposure to cause hearing loss or tinnitus.
The effects of tinnitus:
Tinnitus is often misunderstood as a minor annoyance. In reality, it can range from intermittent background noise to a constant intrusive sound that disrupts concentration, sleep, and communication. For some veterans, tinnitus is closely linked with:
- Insomnia and fatigue;
- Anxiety or depression;
- Difficulty following conversations;
- Social withdrawal.
It frequently coexists with noise-induced hearing loss, compounding the communication challenges many veterans face when transitioning to civilian life.
Because tinnitus cannot be seen on a scan or easily measured in the same way as other injuries, it can often be dismissed or downplayed. Yet the mental strain of persistent internal noise, can be significant. Studies have shown higher rates of stress and mood disturbance in those living with chronic tinnitus, particularly where it is tied to traumatic service experiences.
I have hearing loss and/or tinnitus and have served in the Armed Forces, should I bring a claim?
Those experiencing persistent ringing or hearing difficulties should seek medical assessment through their GP or audiology services. Early diagnosis can help with management strategies including sound therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and hearing aids, where appropriate.
In many cases, veterans and serving military personnel may also be entitled to compensation. Claims may be brought under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or, depending on the circumstances and the date of service, through a civil claim, where negligence in the hearing protection afforded can be demonstrated. Legal and medical evidence is typically required to link the tinnitus and/or hearing loss to a person’s exposure to excessive noise in the military.
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.
