As specialists in Military Claims- and following Tinnitus Awareness Week - we’re taking a closer look at how this condition affects so many serving in the military.

What does Tinnitus sound like?

The sound of Tinnitus (a ringing in the ears) varies from person to person; what one person’s Tinnitus sounds like could be entirely different to another’s. Some hear a sharp screech or dull hum, while others hear a soft hiss or a pulsating ‘whoosh’.

Official Tinnitus Grading System

Not only does the sound of Tinnitus differ, but its severity does also. The following five-point grading system exists to identify the level of Tinnitus an individual suffers:

Grade 1 – slight (THI 0-16) Only heard in a quiet environment, very easily masked. No interference with sleep or daily activities. This grading should cover most people who are experiencing tinnitus but are not troubled by it.

Grade 2 – mild (THI 18-36) Easily masked by environmental sound and easily forgotten with activities. May occasionally interfere with sleep but not daily activities.

Grade 3 – moderate (THI 38-56) May be noticed even in the presence of background or environmental noise, although daily activities may still be performed. Less noticeable when concentrating. Infrequently interferes with sleep and quiet activities. The majority of people suffering from tinnitus should fall into grades 2 and 3.

Grade 4 – severe (THI 58-76) Almost always heard, rarely if ever masked. Leads to disturbed sleep patterns and can interfere with the ability to carry out normal daily activities. Quiet activities adversely affected. Hearing loss is likely to be present. Grading in this group should be uncommon.

Grade 5 – catastrophic (THI 78-100) All tinnitus symptoms at level severe or worse. Hearing loss is likely to be present. Associated psychological pathology is likely to be found in hospital or GP records. Grading in this group should be extremely rare.

Why is Tinnitus prevalent in the Military?

In our previous blog [LINK], we explored how construction workers are regularly exposed to noise over 85 decibels, and how this is detrimental to a person’s ears, causing long-term damage and often resulting in Tinnitus. To put this into the context of a military environment, the crack of a standard M16A2 rifle is 152dB, nearly twice what is needed to inflict slow but permanent damage to a person’s ears. Those in the military are regularly exposed to such noises, and although earplugs are supplied to prevent developing Tinnitus, Hyperacusis and Hearing Loss, these can easily fall out during combat. Not only that, some soldiers may choose not to wear earplugs as it could stop them from hearing crucial demands or any immediate dangers nearby.

What to do if you’re experiencing Tinnitus after working in the military

An estimated 300,000 ex-armed forces personnel in the UK suffer from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) and Tinnitus. If your hearing problems developed as a result of long-term exposure to excessive noise while in service, you may have grounds for a claim.

At MLA, we offer a comprehensive Military Accidents Report service, covering a wide range of injury types, all supported by our nationwide panel of experts. From Military Hearing Loss and Deafness to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; Non-Freezing Cold Injuries to Compartment Syndrome, we have a wealth of experience in dealing with a variety of military claims.

To instruct us for your case, contact us today.