Last updated · By Mustafa Bilgic
How hearing loss is valued
Hearing-loss claims usually arise either from prolonged exposure to loud noise at work (noise-induced hearing loss, or "industrial deafness") or from a sudden trauma such as an explosion or head injury. In England and Wales they are valued under the Judicial College Guidelines for deafness and tinnitus, with the bracket determined by how much hearing is lost, whether one or both ears are affected, and the presence and severity of tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Mild hearing loss and tinnitus
Mild noise-induced hearing loss, or mild tinnitus on its own, sits at the lower end — indicatively around £7,000–£14,000. Slight or occasional tinnitus and minor measurable hearing loss are toward the bottom of this range, with the figure rising as symptoms become more intrusive.
Moderate hearing loss
Moderate hearing loss, or moderate tinnitus combined with some hearing loss, that affects everyday communication and may require hearing aids is typically valued at roughly £14,000–£45,000. The degree of measured loss, whether both ears are affected, and the impact on work and social life drive the figure within this bracket.
Severe hearing loss and total deafness
Severe hearing loss, total deafness in one ear, or total deafness in both ears falls in the higher bracket. Total loss of hearing in one ear is indicatively valued in the region of £30,000–£45,000, while total bilateral deafness can reach roughly £90,000–£110,000, and total deafness combined with loss of speech (for example in a child) higher still. Selecting "Severe" applies the upper figures.
What affects a hearing loss payout
- Degree of loss — measured by audiometry; partial versus total, and one ear versus both.
- Tinnitus — its presence, loudness and how much it disturbs sleep and concentration.
- Need for hearing aids — and the cost of replacing them over a lifetime.
- Cause and date of knowledge — for noise-induced loss, time limits run from when you knew the noise had damaged your hearing.
Special damages for hearing loss
You can recover financial losses such as the cost of hearing aids and their lifetime replacement, audiology and medical costs, lost earnings if your hearing affects your work, and — for serious loss — future losses. Enter these in the calculator and they are added to the injury figure.
Hearing loss claims in practice
Noise-induced hearing-loss claims rely on audiometry and an expert report apportioning how much of the loss is due to noise exposure as opposed to ageing. Time limits are important: in England and Wales a claim generally must be brought within three years of the date you became aware that noise had damaged your hearing. These claims are usually handled by a solicitor on a no-win-no-fee basis. This page is an estimate only and not legal advice.
Hearing loss compensation — frequently asked questions
How much compensation for hearing loss in the UK?
Mild noise-induced hearing loss or mild tinnitus is valued at roughly £7,000–£14,000, moderate hearing loss at about £14,000–£45,000, and severe loss or total deafness from around £45,000 up to £90,000–£110,000 for total deafness in both ears, under the Judicial College Guidelines. The cost of hearing aids and any lost earnings are added as special damages.
How much is a tinnitus claim worth?
Tinnitus is valued according to how severe and intrusive it is and whether it is accompanied by hearing loss. Mild, occasional tinnitus alone sits at the lower end (a few thousand pounds), while severe tinnitus that disturbs sleep and concentration, especially combined with hearing loss, is valued higher, often in the tens of thousands plus your financial losses.
How much is a hearing loss settlement in the US?
US hearing loss settlements range from about $10,000 for partial loss to well over $100,000 for profound bilateral deafness. Occupational hearing-loss claims are often pursued through workers' compensation. The figure depends on the degree of loss, the cause, your documented losses and the relevant state or insurance limits.
Is there a time limit for a noise-induced hearing loss claim?
Yes. In England and Wales a personal-injury claim, including for noise-induced hearing loss, generally must be brought within three years. For gradual hearing loss the clock usually starts from your 'date of knowledge' — when you first realised, or should have realised, that noise exposure had damaged your hearing — rather than from when the exposure occurred.
Is this hearing loss calculator accurate?
It gives a realistic guide based on Judicial College bracket figures and typical US settlement ranges, but it is not a guarantee. Hearing-loss values depend on audiometric evidence, the cause and apportionment of the loss, liability and your proven losses. Always confirm with a qualified solicitor or attorney.