Military Noise Induced Hearing Loss Claims - Key Findings of Abbott Explored

Introduction

This virtual classroom seminar is designed for litigators and fee earners who handle, or are considering handling, military noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) claims.

This live session will examine the significant implications of the 2026 judgment in Abbott and Others v Ministry of Defence, which is expected to have a major impact on the conduct, valuation, and evidential requirements of military deafness claims. Practitioners who fail to apply the principles established in Abbott risk under-settling claims or overlooking potentially successful cases.

Participants will be guided through the key findings of Abbott, how they differ from the pre-Abbott legal position, and why military NIHL claims require a distinct approach from conventional industrial disease litigation. This live session will also review the outcomes of the lead claims and the continuing relevance of Barry v Ministry of Defence and Inglis v Ministry of Defence. In addition, it will explore the new framework for diagnosing and quantifying military NIHL, including the relevant quantum considerations.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive course will cover the following:

• What is noise induced hearing loss
• Noise levels - steady state noise (traditional industrial exposure) vs military noise
• Inglis and Barry
• The matrix agreement - breach of duty and limitation
• Abbott cases - numbers and importance
• Abbott judgment
• Diagnosis and quantification
• Military audiometry and its reliability
• Tinnitus
• Hearing aids
• De minimis
• Late onset of NIHL/acceleration of age related losses
• Decisions in the individual test claims
• What is next?

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.