Hearing Loss Claims

Have you suffered hearing damage because of your employer’s negligence? We’re one of the most experienced firms of hearing loss claims solicitors in Belfast. We’ve helped people across Northern Ireland and the UK with industrial hearing loss claims — and we’re ready to help you claim the compensation you deserve.

Experienced hearing loss solicitors pursuing thousands of claims every year
The UK’s most successful military hearing loss claim law firm
Free hearing test clinics in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland
“Expertise in noise-induced hearing loss claims” — High Court judge
Free initial legal advice with no obligation to proceed

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Occupational Deafness & Industrial Hearing Loss in Northern Ireland

Around one in seven people in Northern Ireland are deaf or hard of hearing. Some of those will have been born deaf and others will have developed hearing loss due to old age. But for many people, their deafness or hearing loss will be due to the noise they were exposed to while doing their job.

Excessive noise is the most common cause of deafness that wasn’t there from birth. Working in a noisy environment without proper protection is a major factor in hearing loss. If you’re suffering hearing loss after being forced to do your job in those conditions, we can help you claim the compensation that is rightfully yours.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss & Tinnitus

Hearing loss can be disruptive, inconvenient and irritating. Once the damage is done, it is irreversible and lifelong. Industrial hearing loss typically causes the following conditions:

Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Noise induced hearing loss is caused when you’re repeatedly exposed to loud noises over time. This damages sensitive hair cells inside the cochlea and eventually leads to hearing loss. Common symptoms of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) include:

Having trouble hearing people or misunderstanding what people are saying
Regularly having to ask people to repeat themselves
Turning the volume up higher than other people need when watching TV or listening to music
Struggling to have conversations on the phone
Mixing up sounds like ‘t’, ‘d’ and ‘s’ and confusing similar words as a result

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is when you’re hearing noises that come from inside your body rather than from anything that other people can hear. While the causes of tinnitus are not clear, many cases are accompanied by hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear. Common symptoms of tinnitus include:

Ringing in the ears
Buzzing, humming or grinding in the ears
Whistling or hissing in the ears
Trouble sleeping because of noises in the ears
Using the radio, music or other sounds to mask noises in the ears

Causes of Industrial Hearing Loss in Northern Ireland

Working in a noisy environment is a major cause of industrial hearing loss. Northern Ireland is renowned for its heavy industry, shipbuilding and construction — all sectors in which a lot of loud noise is generated. It’s our experience that people working in these environments in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s — and in some cases right into the 2000s — were not given the ear protection they needed.

This has resulted in widespread industrial hearing loss in Northern Ireland among those working in a wide range of roles including:

Public Services

If you worked in the public sector you might rightly have expected to be protected from dangerously loud environments. But we’ve successfully acted on behalf of RUC and PSNI officers suffering deafness and hearing problems from repeated exposure to weapons, helicopter flight and public order disputes, as well as Prison Service employees who were regularly exposed to loud weapons during training.

We’ve also claimed on behalf of NI Water employers, council workers and other public servants who — through no fault of their own — are living with hearing problems as a result of their working conditions.

Military hearing loss is another form of workplace hearing loss, suffered by those serving in the armed forces. Service people were exposed to dangerous levels of noise from guns, explosions, pipe ranges and much more. We have made more successful hearing loss claims against the Ministry of Defence than any other law firm in the UK.

Public Service Hearing Loss Claims we have settled:

Ministry of Defence (MOD)
PSNI / RUC
Prison Service
NI Water
District Council Workers
Ballylumford Power Station

Transport & Distribution

If you worked in a transport or distribution role you may have been exposed to loud noises from engines or machinery. Working close to trains, buses and other vehicles over a prolonged period may have damaged your hearing.

We have successfully represented many employees of transport and distribution companies who suffered hearing loss because they were not given the correct protection for the environment in which they were working.

Transport Hearing Loss Claims we have settled:

NI Railways
Atlantic Steam Navigation
Atlantic Tanning Company
Michelin Tyres
Ford Motors
John Cleland & Son

Construction & Manufacturing

Northern Ireland’s construction and manufacturing workplaces are unavoidably noisy. But the hearing damage that has been caused in them over the past decades was avoidable. That is why we are bringing new hearing loss claims against some of Northern Ireland’s biggest manufacturing employers weekly.

If you were employed in a role that involved riveting or similarly noisy activities and you weren’t given ear protectors, you’re likely to have sustained hearing damage as a result.

Construction Hearing Loss Claims we have settled:

Harland & Wolff
Bombardier
Short Brothers
FG Wilson
Brett Martin
Camden Frames
Walter Watson
Adria
Northern Ireland Plastics
Daewoo
Montupet
Standard Telephones & Cable Limited
Sanmina
Nortel Networks
Carreras Rothmans Limited
TK-ECC
Acheson & Glover
Apex Ceilings
William McLaughlin & Son
ICI Fibres

Engineering

Engineering workplaces often have a lot of loud heavy machinery in them. Working in close proximity to that noise over a sustained period of time will irreparably damage your hearing.

If you worked in a noisy engineering firm and weren’t given suitable protection for your ears, you’re likely to have suffered hearing loss that wasn’t your fault. We can help you to make an industrial hearing loss claim.

Engineering Hearing Loss Claims we have settled:

Siemens
Stratton Engineering
AVX Limited
Brankin Engineering
Ulster Engineering
Langford Lodge Engineering

Textile Factories

Northern Ireland’s bustling textile factories have created a lot of clothing and fabric over the years. But they also created a lot of noise and, if you worked in one of these noisy environments, you should have been given protection from the excessive noise.

If you didn’t get the protection you deserved, the repeated clattering of the textile machinery will probably have damaged your hearing and led to factory hearing loss. If so, you are entitled to claim compensation.

Factory Hearing Loss Claims we have settled:

Dainty Fit/ Courtaulds
Desmond & Sons
William Clark & Sons
James Mackie & Sons
British Enkalon
Doagh Spinning Co
International Net & Twine
Samson Yarns
Thomas Sinton & Co
Arkwrights
Peter England
Savile Row Shirt Company
Copeland Clothing
Amblers Mill Ballyclare
The Ulster Weaving Co.

Food and Beverage

Food processing and manufacturing is big business in Northern Ireland. When it’s being done on an industrial scale — as it is at many of our biggest food and beverage employers — there is industrial machinery involved. That machinery is often very loud.

If you’ve worked on a food production line or a similar workplace and been exposed to excessively loud noise without adequate protection you will be entitled to claim compensation for any hearing loss you sustained.

Hospitality Hearing Loss Claims we have settled:

Kerry Foods
Premier Foods
Gallagher/JTI (Tobacco manufacturer)
Moy Park
O’Kane Poultry
Diageo
L.E Pritchitt & Company

While the industries mentioned above are common places in which employees have sustained hearing loss in Northern Ireland, it is by no means an exhaustive list. If you worked in any other noisy environment and believe you’ve suffered hearing loss as a result of your employer’s negligence, please get in touch for advice on your claim.

Industrial Hearing Loss Claim Process

We’ve made our industrial hearing loss claim process as simple as possible to make it easier for you to get the compensation you deserve. Here’s what to expect:

Step 1: Contact Reid Black
Get in touch for a no-obligation consultation and free initial legal advice on your claim.

Step 2: Gathering Information
If you decide to start a claim, we will begin collecting evidence about the working conditions in which you suffered hearing damage.

Step 3: Medical Assessment
We will then arrange for you to see an independent medical professional who will assess your hearing loss and the likelihood of it getting worse in the future.

Step 4: Compensation Negotiations
Once we understand the full extent of your hearing loss, we will negotiate with your employer or former employer’s insurer to secure the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.

Step 5: Compensation Payout
We will continue to support you and ensure the money that’s rightfully yours reaches you in a timely manner.

Enquire Now

Industrial Hearing Loss Claim Time Limits

You usually have three years from the date you became aware that you had suffered hearing loss due to workplace negligence.

There may be some circumstances in which you are allowed more time — because hearing loss is usually a very gradual deterioration — but it’s always better to get in touch as soon as possible to discuss a possible hearing loss claim.

Industrial Hearing Loss Compensation

Noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus is an unwanted and totally avoidable disruption to your life. You are entitled to hearing loss compensation that reflects that.

The amount of hearing loss compensation you receive will depend on the severity of the damage you’ve suffered. The compensation amounts shown below are only estimates — we will arrange a medical assessment to give you a more accurate figure.

Total Hearing Loss Compensation Amounts:

Total Deafness: £250,000 – £350,000
Total Loss of Hearing in One Ear: £50,000 – £100,000

Severe Hearing Loss: £60,000 – £200,000
Moderate Hearing loss: £20,000 – £60,000
Mild Hearing Loss: up to £20,000

Severe Tinnitus: £40,000 – £90,000
Moderate Tinnitus: £20,000 – £40,000
Mild Tinnitus: up to £20,000

Why Choose Reid Black?

We are one of the leading firms of hearing loss solicitors. Our expertise in handling hearing loss claims has even been noted by a High Court judge, who commented:

“Reid Black Solicitors Limited who have specialised in the conduct of claims for compensation involving police, military and civilian noise exposure since 2006 and who have acted in excess of 5,000 claims advanced by plaintiffs.”

We will use our experience from those and many more hearing loss compensation claims to secure the payout you deserve.

Our Specialist Hearing Loss Claim Solicitors

David French
18 YEARS EXPERIENCE

We have acted in more successful military hearing loss claims than anyone else in the United Kingdom.
We take instructions for people throughout the UK if they have had at least one Northern Ireland tour after June 1987.
No obligation discussion for any former MOD personnel on any issue they wish to discuss with us.
You always get 100% of the compensation, we only seek our costs from the other side and take nothing from you.

Seamus Reid
30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Seamus is a leader in the field of personal injury claims and recognised as such by the Chambers Guide.
He assists for service personnel to make sure they are compensated for injuries in service.
He can arrange an ENT specialist to assess your hearing and discuss if you have a case to bring on a no obligation basis.

Danielle Catterson
6 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Danielle specialises in industrial disease claims, with a focus on Noise Induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus claims.
She can arrange an ENT specialist to assess your hearing and discuss if you have a case to bring on a no obligation basis.
You receive 100% of the compensation awarded to you, we will not deduct any legal fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ways to prevent further noise induced hearing loss?

Unfortunately, by the time noise induced hearing loss becomes apparent the damage has usually already been done. You can avoid any further damage by using hearing protection; avoiding loud noise, noisy activities and noisy places; and turning down the volume of your TV, radio or music.

How do I know if my hearing loss is severe enough to start a hearing loss claim?

We will arrange for you to be assessed by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) consultant who will give independent medical advice on the severity of your hearing loss.

How long does a hearing loss claim take?

This will depend on the severity of your hearing loss and whether your claim is disputed by the negligent party. Cases are usually settled within 12 months but more complex claims might take longer.

How much can I claim for hearing loss?

The amount you can claim depends on the severity of your hearing loss. Payout figures range from less than £20,000 to £300,000. Please see the estimated figures above for a more detailed breakdown.

Can I claim for just tinnitus, not hearing loss?

Yes, if your tinnitus was caused by exposure to loud noises in your workplace you can make a claim. Your medical assessment may show that you have sustained hearing loss that you have not yet noticed.

Can I make a hearing loss claim on behalf of someone else?

You may be able to make a hearing loss on behalf of a loved one if they have a disability that prevents them from making their own claim.

We’re Here To Take Care Of Your Industrial Hearing Loss Claim

Drawing on our vast experience of hearing loss compensation claims, we’ll secure the money you deserve as soon as possible. Let us handle everything for you — you just need to get in touch.

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News and Case Studies

Read More News>

Hearing Loss Claim Against Harland & Wolff
Mr G from Belfast has been awarded £7,520.70 in compensation after making a hearing loss claim against Harland & Wolff. Overview Mr G was employed by Harland & Wolff as an engine fitter for...
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Mr H from Belfast has been awarded £8,750 in compensation after making a hearing loss claim against Harland & Wolff. Overview Mr H worked in the shipyard for nearly 8 years, through various subcontractors....
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Mr D from Newtownabbey has been awarded £17,500 in compensation after making a hearing loss claim against FG Wilson/Caterpillar. Overview Mr D was employed by FG Wilson as a fabricator welder for over 20...

Accreditations

Client Testimonials

William Campbell

16:37 13 Nov 19

Great if you get stuck in a jam with the local police.

Harry Walmsley

14:51 22 Aug 19

Brilliant solicitor. Thank you.

Andrew Aicken

08:51 20 Apr 18

Great service from a professional company. Eilis McQuillan handled a case for me and was outstanding. I was kept informed at every stage and would recommend Reid Black without hesitation.

Victoria J

10:12 18 May 18

I would highly recommend this company and I have used them a few times . Absolutely Fantastic company .

Alan Cromie

14:54 08 Nov 15

I approached Reid Black Solicitors having known Hamill Clawson for many years as a good dependable lawyer and having been badly let down and grossly overcharged by another solicitor. He referred me to his colleague, David French who was very approachable and went out of his way to help resolve matters equitably in a timely and stress free manner.As a busy professional, this invaluable advice from Hamill and, especially his partner David was greatly appreciated. I am impressed by the high standard of service offered by this Firm and would recommended their services without caveat.read more

Stephen Lavery

09:12 21 Feb 20

1st class service. Case was resolved quickly, handled with sensitivity and professionalism. Couldn’t recommend Eilis highly enough. Very happy.

David Hogg

12:07 09 Mar 20

Very helpful....quick results...

Conor Mccomish

21:47 25 Jul 20

David helped me get a licence reinstated with the council. Very fast, efficient and professional service. I would highly recommend this company.

mike naylor

09:41 06 Sep 20

Great business

Seema King

17:07 30 Sep 20

Highly recommend Reid Black Solicitors. David French handled my case and guided me step by step. Very fast and professional. Made my whole experience stress free. Couldn't be more thankful. 🙂

Jonathan Loughlin

16:52 29 Nov 20

Highly experienced staff have helped me massively and would recommend them to anyone 10☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Shaun Leese

13:18 31 Mar 21

Worked with Karen Cox on house purchase. Fantastic service!

Adrian Bodle

14:57 23 Jul 21

I would highly recommend Reid Black Solicitors. my experience was totally stress free and easy from the start. David handled my case in a professional manner, notifying me every step of the way. Thank you for all your hard work. A1read more

James Cullen

14:53 23 Jul 21

Had the best service from all at Reid black from David and Karen who dealt with my claim, all in all a great service I would highly recommend this Company to anybody wanting a professional service, thankyou to everyone at your office. odyread more

TONIK TZW (tonik_tzw)

14:17 29 Jul 21

Reid and Black were absolutely outstanding and extremely professional in their handling of my case, They were well organised, timely and informative in their updates as the case progressed. The outcome was even better than anticipated which can only be due to the excellent knowledge, tenacity and determination in seeking a satisfactory outcome. I would highly recommend their services to anyone.read more

Phoebe Brigginshaw

17:09 08 Dec 21

Karen was wonderful and took fantastic card of us as first time buyers. Excellent service all round, thank you so much!

David Raeburn

11:48 10 Feb 22

I would like to thank Reid Black solicitors for the outstanding work you have done for all the veterans who have mostly suffered in silence and would never have thought to start any sort of compensation claim against the MOD,also to find out that your firm does not take a penny from the veteran's settlement just shows the amazing integrity of Reid Black.read more

Luke Tedford

12:26 31 Mar 22

Just want to start off by Thanking Eilis for helping me through everything. I arrived in with very little expectations to get anywhere and I came out with exactly what I wanted, all thanks to the hard work and dedication of Eilis. When I first met Eilis she gave me the warmest reception and was fully understanding and complient with what I wanted. The best solicitors in Belfast hands down! would very highly recommend to anyone!read more

Jude Campbell

13:18 11 May 22

We would like to thank Reid Black Solicitors and specifically David French for helping us in a recent professional negligence case. His professionalism was a breath of fresh air and the positive outcome we received has been a weight off our shoulders, we would highly recommend David and his team.read more

CJ MCKIMM

11:13 05 Jun 22

A big thanks to David and the team for sorting out my hearing loss claim. Very professional, polite and efficient throughout.

Leonidasz Rafael

14:29 25 Jun 22

at this location The staff is very kind quick helpful hilarious Mr Hamill very professional defense attorney I recommend to everyone protection and tranquility are highly guaranteed always provides the best and fastest help if you are looking for the best defense attorney Mr Hamill 💯💯read more

James Tate

22:28 26 Aug 22

Excellent attraction staff super.

Jennifer McCann

14:25 10 Oct 23

They are a fantastic company to represent you

Russdamuss

07:02 26 Nov 23

Was recommended Reid Black by others on my claim from the MOD. From start to end this company have been brilliant in particular DF whom was personally dealing with my case. If you are looking for a professional solicitors to deal with claims against the MOD look no further. Thank you all at Reid Blackread more

tomsturdy1

09:51 28 Nov 23

I cannot recommend this firm highly enough. For any ex army out there with hearing problems please contact them. The process was easy and more importantly they do not take any money from you unlike a lot of firms that take up to 33%. I thoroughly recommend Reid Black.read more

Wayne Perry

19:16 08 Dec 23

What a fantastic group of people to work with from start to finish. I thoroughly endorse this firm of solicitors to any former service personnel who have suffered hearing loss and/or tinnitus as a result of live firing in pipe ranges in Northern Ireland. These guys acted on my behalf following a simple hearing assessment and secured a sizeable settlement from the MoD for me. They did not take ANY of my compensation in payment, but claim a separate payment directly from the MoD for their work. David even declined an initial derisory offer from the MoD and secured a much better one which was 500% (yes 500%) above the original offer. If you or you know anyone who suffers the same problems, I would urge you to get in touch with David French or one of his colleagues at Reid Black solicitors. The only downside is the amount of time you have to wait for the MoD to play ball. On the plus side you’ll probably forget you’ve claimed at all and so it’s a great surprise when you finally get a result!read more

Bob Parry

05:00 12 Jan 24

I am absolutely delighted at the result David French and the whole team at Reid Black managed to negotiate for my hearing loss claim. It was a long process, but none of that due to RB, rather the bureaucracy and feet dragging of the MoD. There was one small period of frustration on my part when I had not heard from them in a while, but it transpired that their communications with me via e-mail had gone into my spam box, that I don't regularly check, so this frustration was my fault completely. David received an initial settlement offer, but refused it and negotiated a 33% increase in the offer on my behalf. I thoroughly recommend this Business to any former service personnel that served in NI after 1987, that have suffered hearing injuries. Thank you Reid Black.read more

thomas Gray

18:04 21 Feb 24

I cannot speak highly enough of Reid Black Solicitors. From start to finish, my experience with their team has been exceptional. The professionalism and expertise displayed by the solicitors at Reid Black is truly commendable. They were not only knowledgeable but also dedicated to providing personalized solutions tailored to my legal needs. The level of attention and care they demonstrated throughout the process reassured me that I was in capable hands. The communication from the firm was outstanding. I was kept informed at every step, and my questions were answered promptly. This level of transparency made the legal process much more manageable and less stressful. What sets Reid Black Solicitors apart is their commitment to client satisfaction. They went above and beyond to ensure that I felt supported and understood. The genuine concern for their clients is evident in every interaction. I would wholeheartedly recommend Reid Black Solicitors to anyone seeking legal assistance. Their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to client satisfaction make them a standout choice. Thank you to the entire team for making a potentially challenging experience smooth and successful.read more

Claire Watt

19:39 26 Feb 24

Kathryn was superb throughout the process and helped me through what was a difficult period. Kathryn was always very quick to respond to my emails and on hand to answer any questions that I had. I would highly recommend the services of Kathryn and Reid Black Solicitors.read more

Kerry Whann

16:28 04 Mar 24

A Separation of a marriage is a really devasting and stressful time. My daughter used the services of Kathryn Aiken. Kathryn is such a lovely lady, with a real kindness and total understanding of the situation. She gave my daughter excellent legal advice and guided us safely through the whole process. Yes it did take time to finally come to an agreement on matters, but all throughout Kathryn was available to answer emails promptly or take a phone call. Nothing was ever a bother. That means a lot to have that total backing and support. We felt totally at ease meeting Kathryn at her office to sign documents and as upsetting as it sometimes was we were shown total empathy and comforted on occasions were needed. The quotation Kathryn gave me at the start of the process was near enough spot on at the end. I would not hesitate to recommend Kathryn to anyone in need of help. you are 100% in the best professional hands. I will be using Kathryn again in the future. Thank you for everything. Kerry and Naomi.read more

Alan Munce

18:18 14 Mar 24

Ref - Military hearing loss claim. I am speechless - having left the Army 32 years ago I never expected to qualify for any sort of payout. Getting in touch with Reid Black Solicitors was more a case of - 'try it and see, nothing ventured, nothing gained.' Absolutely dumbfounded by the amount you have recovered for me. I never expected any payout to be in the 5 figure bracket. We have a modest income and lead a modest lifestyle, but now, all our current financial challenges are over. A 'Thank you' seems totally inadequate, but we are truly grateful for your efforts and the result. Thank you. Kind Regards Alan Munceread more

carly field

09:43 17 Jun 24

Exceptional work from this company. I have had a few issues with my hearing due to my time in the military. Didn’t expect to get as much I did. Thank you for your dedication to us all.

Allan Rigby

10:30 14 Aug 24

I reached out to Reid Black Solicitors in order to gain compensation for my hearing loss while serving in the Armed Forces. From the beginning I knew I was in the right hands. It proved to be true after a few years of legal wrangling with the MOD I received my compensation. A big thank you to David and the team, fully recommended.read more

Helen Fox

15:52 01 Sep 24

Thanks very much to David French for all his help with my hearing claim from September 2021, it did take a long while and to be honest I didn’t expect to receive anything at all. I was really shocked when he called me on Friday 30th August 2024 and I’m really pleased with my settlement. 10/10 Reid and Black. It was definitely worth the wait. Thanks again Martynread more

Mark Hope

21:11 16 Sep 24

A great service from David French @ Reid Black. Resolved my hearing loss claim with the MOD without any fuss and very professional and helpful. Thank you and would definetly recommend Reid Black solicitors.read more

Paul Treanor

11:06 03 Oct 24

I highly recommend this company. They helped me with a claim which resulted in a very satisfactory result. They possess an abundance of integrity which is rare in the legal world.

Mike D

08:28 04 Oct 24

The way Reid Black Solicitors handled this hearing claim has been efficient and professional from start to finish. Throughout the process I have been guided and advised extremely well and am completely satisfied with the result that you have gained on my behalf. I can strongly recommend Reid Black Solicitors and will be sure to speak to my colleagues who are also veterans of HM Forces.read more