On this page you will find information about:
- Hearing loss in the Armed Forces community.
- Common symptoms among those who have served.
- Accessing aids and support.
Many people who have served in the Armed Forces face hearing loss and other hearing conditions, such as tinnitus. These conditions can impact many aspects of people’s lives, including how they access and interact with the world, and their social lives.
Additionally, many people in the Armed Forces community experience feeling shame around their hearing loss, sometimes choosing to hide it or not seek help. There is support out there to help you.
The guidance below gives a brief insight into the symptoms of hearing loss conditions particularly relevant to the Armed Forces community and covers some of the support that you might be eligible for.
How common is hearing loss in the military?
Hearing loss is becoming a very common reported injury among the veteran population. A recent study funded by the Royal British Legion highlighted that ex-service personnel in the UK are over two times more likely to experience hearing loss than their civilian counterparts, and 1.6 times more likely to experience tinnitus than civilians.
Additionally, the report found that those who had been deployed on operational tours were nearly twice as likely to experience hearing loss than those who had not.
What causes hearing loss in the military?
There are many causes associated to hearing loss in the military, including repetitive exposure to loud noises, known as Noise-induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Those who serve in the Armed Forces are likely to be exposed to high noise levels, which is known to contribute to hearing loss, during peacetime and operational environments.
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL)
NIHL refers to hearing loss which is caused by exposure to loud sounds. The loud noise, or noises, damage the cochlea in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss and tinnitus. It can be caused by exposure to one singular very loud sound, such as a blast or explosion, or from many loud sounds over a long period of time, such as gunshots. Especially if NIHL is caused by exposure to sound over a long period of time, it may take some time to realise or recognise the hearing loss. For some, the symptom of tinnitus is the first indication that their hearing has been damaged.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss in military personnel and veterans?
Hearing loss can occur in many ways that may not be an obvious symptom at first. If you notice yourself needing the TV louder than others, struggling to hear on the phone or finding it hard to follow conversations in loud environments, you may be experiencing hearing loss.
If you think you may be experiencing hearing loss, you can use the RNID’s online hearing check. If the online hearing check shows you have signs of hearing loss, you will receive a letter to take to your GP, which explains the result.
Use the RNID’s online hearing test on their website.
Hearing loss can only be confirmed through a full hearing test with a hearing specialist, known as an audiologist.
Find out more about the symptoms of hearing loss and hearing tests on the RNID website.
Which hearing conditions are most prevalent among military personnel and veterans?
In addition to NIHL, those who are currently serving or have served can experience a variety of hearing conditions caused or made worse by their time in service. These conditions are:
- Tinnitus is a condition often linked to hearing loss in those who are currently serving or have served. People who are living with tinnitus experience hearing noises that cannot be attributed to an outside source, such as a ringing in their ears, whooshing or buzzing.
Learn more about Tinnitus on the RNID website. - Hyperacusis is a condition which makes individuals experience everyday noises as excessively loud, uncomfortable, or even painful. It can affect people in very different ways and in some cases can impact their day-to-day life by causing distress. Hyperacusis has been linked to tinnitus, migraines and autism.
Find out more about hyperacusis on the RNID website.
Other conditions sometimes referenced when thinking about hearing loss:
- Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a condition which can cause individuals difficulty in understanding people when in loud environments, spoken instructions, and similar sounding words. APD is not considered to be associated with hearing loss and those who have APD usually have normal hearing.
Read more about APD on the NHS website.
What support is available?
If you are an ex-service person who is living with hearing loss, there are a variety of aids and support programs which could help you.
Accessing treatment for your condition
If you are living with hearing loss you should contact your GP if you are a veteran or your medical centre if you are currently serving. The type of treatment you can receive will depend on what is causing your hearing loss.
Individuals who are living with permanent hearing loss you will often be recommended hearing aids or implants.
Find out more about the treatments for hearing loss on the NHS website.
Technology and assistive devices
There are a variety of assistive programmes and devices which you can use to live your day-to-day life. This includes hearing aids, assistive apps and specially designed alarm systems.
Learn more about technology and devices which may be useful to you on the RNID website.
Accessing hearing aids and implants
If you need a hearing aid or implant, you may be to obtain them through the NHS. You will need to contact your GP who can refer you to a hearing specialist.
Find out more about accessing hearing aid and implants on the NHS website.
Read our guide to registering with an NHS GP here on the RBL website.
Hearing loss compensation
If you are living with hearing loss which was caused by or made worse by your service, you may be eligible for compensation. The War Pension and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme are administered by the MOD through Veterans UK.
Support from the RBL
The Royal British Legion is here for people in the Armed Forces community. Our team is specially trained to identify all the ways we might be able to offer you support in your unique circumstance.
Support with receiving a War Pension
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and the War Pension Scheme are the financial compensation schemes for those who have been injured as a result of, or have an injury which was made worse by, their service.
If you have already applied for one of the schemes above and are unhappy with the decision that has been made you can appeal the decision. If the decision is taken to a Tribunal, our dedicated team may be able help you during the process and represent you.
Guidance following a medical discharge
Hearing loss is one of the reasons serving personnel might receive a medical discharge. Transitioning out of the Armed Forces and resettlement can be an overwhelming time, and medical discharges can be even more frustrating. But there is support and guidance available to you if you are going through, or have recently gone through, the medical discharge process.
To find out more about the support the RBL could offer you, contact us via
Telephone: 0808 802 8080
Telephone overseas: +44 (0)20 3376 8080
Calls are free
from UK landlines and main mobile networks
Email: [email protected]
