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Royal Marines Noise Induced
Hearing Loss Claims

Served in the Royal Marines? Suffering from hearing loss, NIHL or tinnitus caused by weapons fire, commando training, amphibious operations or joint exercises?

You may be entitled to compensation. Speak to a specialist Royal Marines NIHL solicitor today — confidential, no obligation, no upfront cost.

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Military Injury Claims on a No Win, No Fee Basis

We handle military injury claims under a Conditional Fee Agreement — meaning you pay nothing upfront and nothing if your claim is unsuccessful. If your claim succeeds, a success fee (capped at 25% of your damages) is deducted from your compensation. You will never be out of pocket.

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Judicial College Guidelines

Typical Damages for Military Injuries

The figures below are general damages guidelines from the Judicial College Guidelines (18th Edition) — the reference used by courts and insurers across England and Wales to value injury claims. They cover pain, suffering and loss of amenity only.

In military injury cases, the total value of a claim is often substantially higher once special damages are included — past and future care costs, loss of earnings, rehabilitation, specialist equipment and home adaptations. Civil claims against the MOD can result in higher awards than AFCS tariff payments.

Every case is different. Jonathan Cloudsdale will give you a realistic, honest assessment of what your specific claim may be worth — at no cost and with no obligation.

Hearing Loss & Tinnitus (Military)

Total deafness and loss of speech

£144,860 – £185,840

Deafness at an early age preventing or seriously affecting development of normal speech

Total deafness (both ears)

£119,890 – £144,860

Lower end where no speech deficit or tinnitus; higher end where both are present

Total loss of hearing in one ear

£41,370 – £60,160

Towards higher end where associated problems such as tinnitus, dizziness or headaches

Severe tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)

£39,250 – £60,160

Severe tinnitus combined with significant NIHL

Moderate tinnitus and NIHL, or moderate to severe tinnitus or NIHL alone

£19,680 – £39,250

Moderate tinnitus with moderate NIHL, or either condition at moderate to severe level

Mild tinnitus with some NIHL

£16,640 – £19,680

Mild tinnitus combined with some noise-induced hearing loss

Mild tinnitus alone or mild NIHL alone

Around £15,480

Either condition in isolation at mild level

Slight or occasional tinnitus with slight NIHL

£9,720 – £16,640

Slight or occasional tinnitus with slight noise-induced hearing loss

Slight NIHL without tinnitus or slight tinnitus without NIHL

Up to £9,260

Either condition in isolation at slight level

Acceleration of, or time-limited need for, hearing aids (5 years)

Around £6,610

E.g. period until surgical cure for conductive hearing loss, or acceleration period for sensorineural hearing loss

Acceleration of, or time-limited need for, hearing aids (15 years)

Around £12,820

Longer acceleration period for sensorineural hearing loss

These are guidelines only

Compensation figures are general damages guidelines only. Your actual award will depend on the specific facts of your case, the severity of your injury, its impact on your life and employment, and the claim route taken. Civil claims against the MOD can result in higher awards than AFCS tariff payments. Special damages (care costs, loss of earnings, rehabilitation) are calculated separately and can significantly increase the total value of your claim. Speak to Jonathan Cloudsdale for a free, no-obligation assessment of your specific circumstances.

Royal Marines NIHL Claims

Noise Induced Hearing Loss in the Royal Marines

The Royal Marines Commandos are exposed to some of the most intense noise environments in the UK Armed Forces. The demanding nature of Commando training, combined with the operational roles Royal Marines undertake, means personnel face significant and repeated noise exposure throughout their service. Weapons fire, amphibious operations, explosives training and joint operations all contribute to the risk of permanent hearing damage.

The Ministry of Defence has a legal duty to protect Royal Marines personnel from excessive noise exposure. Where that duty has been breached — through inadequate hearing protection, insufficient training, or failure to control noise at source — affected personnel and veterans may have a valid civil claim for compensation. Claims can also be made under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) for injuries sustained on or after 6 April 2005.

At PDA Law, we act for Royal Marines personnel and veterans across all ranks and specialisations. Whether you served as a Commando, in specialist units, or in support roles, we can advise you on your options for a Royal Marines NIHL claim.

Common Sources of Noise Exposure in the Royal Marines

Small arms and weapons fire during training and operations
Amphibious landing craft and assault vehicles
Commando training exercises and ranges
Close-quarters battle (CQB) training
Explosives and demolition training
Joint operations with Army, RAF and Royal Navy
Helicopter operations and fast-roping
Specialist weapons and equipment

Do You Have a Royal Marines NIHL Claim?

If you served in the Royal Marines and have suffered hearing loss or tinnitus, you may have a valid claim. You do not need to be currently serving — veterans can also claim.

Hearing loss from weapons fire or training
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) from noise exposure
Hearing loss from amphibious operations
Hearing damage from commando training
Gradual hearing loss over years of service
Sudden hearing loss from a single noise event

Royal Marines NIHL Claims — Common Questions

Can Royal Marines claim for noise induced hearing loss?
Yes. Royal Marines personnel and veterans who suffered hearing loss or tinnitus as a result of noise exposure during service may be entitled to compensation. Claims can be made as civil claims against the Ministry of Defence (MOD) or under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). This applies to all Royal Marines ranks and specialisations.
What types of noise cause hearing loss in the Royal Marines?
Royal Marines personnel are exposed to a wide range of noise sources. These include small arms and weapons fire, amphibious landing craft and vehicles, commando training exercises, close-quarters combat training, joint operations with other forces, and specialist weapons and equipment. The intensity of Royal Marines training means noise exposure can be particularly high.
Does the Royal Marines training regime increase NIHL risk?
Yes. The Royal Marines Commando training course is one of the most demanding in the world and involves significant exposure to weapons fire, explosives and other noise sources. The intensity and frequency of this training can increase the risk of NIHL, particularly where hearing protection was not consistently provided or was inadequate.
Can I claim for Royal Marines hearing loss from joint operations?
Yes. Royal Marines frequently operate alongside other branches of the Armed Forces and allied forces. Noise exposure during joint operations — including from Army weapons systems, naval vessels or RAF aircraft — can form the basis of a Royal Marines NIHL claim where the MOD failed in its duty of care.
What if I was issued with hearing protection in the Royal Marines?
Being issued with hearing protection does not automatically prevent a claim. If the protection was inadequate, poorly fitted, not provided consistently, or if you were not properly trained in its use, a claim may still be possible. We assess each case on its individual circumstances.
Can I claim if I left the Royal Marines many years ago?
Yes. Royal Marines NIHL claims can be brought by veterans who have left the service, including those discharged many years ago. Hearing damage caused during service often continues to worsen after discharge. Time limits apply, so we recommend seeking advice as early as possible.

Your Specialist Solicitor

Jonathan Cloudsdale, Head of Military Claims and Personal Injury Solicitor at PDA Law

Jonathan Cloudsdale

Head of Military Claims & Personal Injury

10+ Yrs ExperienceSix-Figure Settlements

Over 10 years' specialist experience in complex military claims, personal injury, industrial disease and catastrophic injuries. Multiple six-figure settlements achieved.

SRA Regulated · No Win, No Fee

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