News

Monday 7th September 2026

Noise‑Induced Hearing Loss Claims for Military Personnel - Supporting Veterans and Serving Members Across Devon.

Noise‑Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) remains one of the most common and debilitating injuries affecting UK military personnel. From weapons training and live‑fire exercises to engine noise, aircraft operations and prolonged exposure to high‑risk environments, service members often face levels of noise far exceeding safe limits. At Rundlewalker Solicitors, our Personal Injury & Accident Claim Team is committed to helping both serving personnel and Veterans secure the compensation and support they deserve. Claims under the Matrix Agreement must be lodged by 23:59 on 31 January 2027, so please act now.

Military Hearing Loss - Why This Matters Now.
Recent national attention on military hearing loss has highlighted just how widespread the issue is. According to expert guidance from the Royal British Legion, thousands of service members have developed NIHL or tinnitus as a result of their time in the Armed Forces. The condition can severely impact communication, employment, mental wellbeing and daily life.

With major military bases located close to Exeter, including Plymouth, Devonport and Yeovilton, the South West has a large community of serving personnel and Veterans who may be living with undiagnosed or untreated hearing damage. Many individuals simply assume their symptoms are part of ageing or long term service. In reality, they may be entitled to compensation and support.

The Matrix Agreement - A Critical Deadline.
The Matrix Agreement is a High Court‑ratified framework designed to streamline military hearing loss claims. It removes many of the legal barriers previously used by the Ministry of Defence, including limitation arguments and combat immunity defences, allowing claims to focus on diagnosis, causation and compensation.

Important cut‑off date:
Claims under the Matrix Agreement must be lodged by 23:59 on 31 January 2027. After this date, claims may still be possible, but they will proceed through standard civil litigation and will not benefit from the procedural protections offered by the Matrix framework.

If you served on or after 15 May 1987 and have developed NIHL or tinnitus linked to your service, it is essential to seek legal advice as early as possible.

Who Can Claim?
You may be eligible to bring a claim if you:

• Served in any branch of the UK Armed Forces
• Were exposed to excessive noise during training, operations or daily duties
• Have been diagnosed with NIHL or tinnitus
• Are either currently serving or a Veteran
• Experienced noise exposure without adequate hearing protection

We also welcome enquiries from individuals who served before 1987, as the Matrix Agreement includes provisions addressing Crown immunity for pre‑1987 service.

Not Just the Military - Other High‑Risk Industries.
Although military claims are particularly topical, NIHL affects workers across many sectors. Our team also supports clients from:

• Construction - power tools, heavy machinery, demolition
• Agriculture - tractors, chainsaws, grain dryers
• Factories & Manufacturing - industrial equipment, production lines
• Hospitality & Entertainment - amplified music, commercial kitchens

If your employer failed to provide adequate hearing protection or safe working practices, you may be entitled to compensation.

How Rundlewalker Solicitors Can Help.
Our Personal Accident & Injury Claim Team offers:

• Clear, practical advice from the outset
• Support with medical evidence and audiology assessments
• Guidance on eligibility under the Matrix Agreement
• Representation throughout the claims process
• A friendly, local service from our Exeter‑based team

We understand the impact hearing loss can have on your life, career and wellbeing. Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Contact Us.
If you believe your hearing has been damaged by military service or noisy work environments, contact Rundlewalker Solicitors today. Early advice is essential - particularly with the Matrix Agreement deadline approaching. 

No Win, No Fee Support.
At Rundlewalker Solicitors, we operate on a 'No Win, No Fee' basis. This means you won’t have to worry about legal fees upfront. Compensation can’t undo the trauma of your situation, but it can help ease the financial burden. You need to act swiftly and get the right legal advice. The highly experienced Accident and Injuries Team at Rundlewalker is available to you. Simply contact us now to discuss your legal situation and we can advise you of the options available. Please call Roger Henderson on 01392 209218 or email roger.henderson@rundlewalker.com.

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"I had a really positive experience with Rundlewalker. Roger was extremely knowledgeable and empathetic to my case. He kept me updated at every stage of the process and ensured I knew exactly what the next steps were. He was friendly and approachable and only ever a phone call away. I really appreciated his high level of professionalism, which all helped in achieving a successful outcome. Highly recommended." M.P.

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 "We can't thank you, Roger, enough for all of your hard work during the process of the claim. You have been brilliant and kept us informed throughout which we both really appreciate, you have explained every step in a way that we could understand with ease, having had no experience in such a claim before.” Mrs N.

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This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.
Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.