Acoustic Trauma and Blast Injury Hearing Loss Claims
Last updated: April 2026
Acoustic trauma is sudden hearing damage from a single intense noise event. For military personnel, this includes IED explosions, blast injuries, close-range gunfire, and aircraft noise incidents. If you suffered acoustic trauma during service, you can claim compensation.
What Is Acoustic Trauma?
Unlike noise-induced hearing loss which develops gradually, acoustic trauma occurs instantly from a single loud event. The sudden pressure wave damages the delicate structures of the inner ear, potentially causing immediate hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance problems.
Common Causes in Military Service
- IED and roadside bomb explosions
- Mortar and artillery blasts
- Close-range weapons discharge without warning
- Aircraft or helicopter crash noise
- Grenade and ordnance detonation
- Vehicle-borne explosive devices
Acoustic Trauma vs Cumulative NIHL
The key difference is causation. Acoustic trauma results from a single identifiable incident, while NIHL develops from years of cumulative noise exposure. Many veterans have both — chronic noise exposure plus one or more acute trauma events. Both can be claimed.
PTSD and Acoustic Trauma
Blast events that cause acoustic trauma often also trigger post-traumatic stress disorder. Veterans may experience flashbacks, hypervigilance to loud sounds, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. While PTSD is a separate condition, it can be included in your compensation claim alongside hearing injuries.
Evidence for Acoustic Trauma Claims
Acute acoustic trauma claims often have strong evidence because the triggering event is identifiable. Incident reports, witness statements, deployment records, and medical notes from immediately after the event all support the claim. Read our full evidence guide.