£15,000 Compensation Secured for Client with Tinnitus Linked to Military and Northern Ireland Security Guard Service (NISGS) Work

At Keenan Solicitors, we secured a £15,000 settlement for a client who developed permanent tinnitus and mild hearing loss following exposure to intense noise during Army Cadet training and subsequent Northern Ireland Security Guard Service (NISGS) employment.

Despite the client not initially being fully aware of hearing loss, his tinnitus symptoms were persistent, affecting his daily life and sleep. Through detailed medical assessment and legal strategy, we ensured that his condition was acknowledged and fairly compensated.

What Happened?

Our client’s noise exposure occurred during two key periods of employment:

Army Cadet Training –

• Involved frequent weapons training, conducted without ear protection.
• Also included helicopter travel, which caused temporary ringing in his ears.

Northern Ireland Security Guard Service (NISGS) –

• He underwent a 2-week training period with live weapons fire.
• Initially, ear muffs were provided, but their use was inconsistent.
• In later years, double ear protection was enforced, but early exposure had already caused damage.
• He experienced dullness and ringing in his ears after training sessions.

Over time, he developed:

• High-pitched tinnitus, occurring several times per day.
• Sleep disruption, especially when the ringing occurred at night.
• Mild hearing loss, although he wasn’t initially aware of it.

Like many others, he had not reported it to his GP, having been told that little treatment is available for tinnitus.

The Case:

1. Medical Investigation & Diagnosis

The client contacted Keenan Solicitors on recommendation, and Cormac Keenan took on the case.

To investigate the condition thoroughly:

• We arranged a free audiologist hearing test, which showed slight hearing loss.
• We compiled his employment and training history, including details of noise exposure and protection policies.
• We organised a consultation with a Consultant ENT Surgeon, who confirmed:
  • The client had permanent tinnitus.
  • There was mild but measurable hearing loss, consistent with noise exposure.

2. Legal Action Against Multiple Employers

• We issued County Court proceedings against all relevant employers.
• The client also attended an ENT assessment arranged by the Defendant.
• All court documentation and expert evidence were prepared ahead of a scheduled Contest hearing.

3. Reaching a Strong Settlement

Before the scheduled Contest date, we entered into negotiations with the Defendant’s legal team.

Our legal argument was backed by expert opinion, consistent history of exposure, and compelling medical evidence.

We secured a £15,000 settlement, representing maximum compensation for the condition.

The Outcome:

• £15,000 compensation secured for tinnitus and mild hearing loss.
• Exposure acknowledged, even though symptoms were not initially reported to a GP.

• No need for a court hearing—settlement agreed pre-Contest.

Our client was highly satisfied with the result and relieved to receive recognition and financial support for an invisible but disruptive condition.

Have You Developed Tinnitus from Military or Security Work?

Even if you weren’t initially aware of hearing loss or haven’t reported symptoms to a GP, you could still be entitled to compensation.