Noise Induced Hearing Loss in the Armed Forces- The Hidden Injury
Did you know that at present there are over 190,000 people serving in our Armed Forces? Of this number, it is not known just how many personnel now have a hearing related injury because of their occupation.
Compensation schemes were set up to provide compensation to service personnel for any illness, injury or death caused by their service. The War Pension Scheme (WPS) applies for those injured prior to 6 April 2005 and the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) for those injured after this date.
These schemes cover a multitude of illnesses and injuries, including noise induced hearing loss. However, the level of hearing loss required for a service person to be entitled to this compensation is very high, and very few fulfil this criterion.
Even if you are not eligible to make a claim under the WPS or AFCS, you may be able to bring a civil claim for your noise induced hearing loss. The Royal British Legion has a hearing aid fund that provides support for veterans who have suffered hearing loss as a result of service. You may also be able to recover the cost of hearing aids as part of a civil claim.
So, if you, a friend, or someone within your family is suffering from hearing loss, hyperacusis or tinnitus as a result of exposure to noise whilst serving in the Armed forces, then we may be able to help.
If you would like free advice and a free consultation, get in touch.