Deafblind Awareness Week, held annually from June 23rd to 29th, is a significant event aimed at raising awareness about the impact of deaf blindness on veterans and civilians.
The National Deaf Blind Helpers League was established in 1928 by a small group of deafblind individuals and their families, later changing its name to Deafblind UK.
While acknowledging that far too many deafblind people do not receive the proper help, they demonstrate to others that there is life after deaf blindness.
What is Deaf blindness?
Deaf blindness is a combined sight and hearing impairment that affects over 450,000 people in the UK. Also known as dual sensory loss or multi-sensory impairment, it impacts communication, information access, and mobility.
It can reduce both senses, causing significant difficulties in everyday life, even with mild hearing and vision loss. It affects everyone differently, with some requiring slight changes and others relying on others for communication and transportation.
What impact does Deaf blindness have?
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) employs more than 150,000 people in both civilian and combat positions in the Army, Air Force, and Navy, making it one of the biggest employers in the United Kingdom.
Combat-related MoD members are frequently subjected to high decibel levels during live firing drills, dummy fire exercises, and other activities, which may cause short-term and long-term hearing impairment.
Over the past few years, it has become evident that thousands of former and present MoD employees suffer from hearing, vision, and/or tinnitus as a result of their condition, and they are now aware that they can pursue compensation for their losses.
Recognizing the key signs and symptoms
Dual sensory impairment (DSI) is common in the older population, but it is especially problematic for veterans of all ages because of exposure to risk factors associated with the military.
It can develop gradually and may not be immediately noticeable to the individual, affecting their vision and hearing.
Signs of deaf blindness can include:
- needing to turn up the volume on the television or radio
- difficulty following a conversation.
- not hearing noises such as a knock at the door
- asking others to speak loudly, slowly, and more clearly
- needing to hold books or newspapers remarkably close, or sitting close to the television
- difficulty moving around unfamiliar places.
- If someone already has either a hearing or vision problem, it is important to look out for signs that suggest the other sense may be.
How to navigate life with dual sensory loss
Due to their varied degrees of hearing and vision loss, Deafblind people, often associated with veterans and service members, need a range of care and support services.
The general aims of care for a deafblind person are to:
- Preserve and optimise the person’s remaining vision or hearing, which may entail wearing glasses, using a hearing aid or implant, or treating underlying disorders like cataracts.
- Provide alternate forms of communication, such as braille or hands-on signing.
- Assist the individual in maintaining or gaining independence by providing a communication guide, teaching them how to use a long cane, or training them to utilise a guide dog.
Time to see your GP?
If you suspect worsening hearing or eyesight, consult your GP. If you are concerned about a friend or family member, encourage them to do the same.
Early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment and quicker access to local support services, making early diagnosis crucial.
Read more about diagnosing and assessing deafblindness.
Deafblind UK offers a crucial support system
Deafblind UK and the UK Soldiers Hearing Foundation provide free services for soldiers who are blind or hard of hearing. They acknowledge the intricacy of military service and the requirement for expert aid and resources.
Deafblind UK is here to support you if you or someone you know is experiencing visual and hearing loss. They are available at every stage to offer consolation, guidance, or simply to be a somebody to turn to when no one else is available.
Offering anyone in need of assistance with technology, information, guidance, practical assistance, emotional support, and even holidays.
How you can support the Veterans’ Foundation?
The Veterans’ Foundation has provided grants to hundreds of UK-based military charities and organisations since its inception in 2016.
It is dedicated to distributing funding to where it is most effective and millions of pounds have been given to projects that have a positive impact on British veterans, and their dependents, in need.
If you would like to become of a supporter of the Veterans’ Foundation you can do so by donating, by fundraising, by leaving something to Veterans’ Foundation in your will or by joining the Veterans’ Lottery.
Frequently asked questions:
Can I claim for military deafness and vision impairment?
If you have been an employee of the MOD, either currently or any time after 1987, and feel your hearing or vision has been impacted, you may be eligible to claim.
We will assess your employment circumstances and noise exposure, which can be determined through a discussion. A simple, quick, and painless hearing test will determine if your hearing has been affected by the noise exposure.
Military deafness claims require detailed explanations, medical evidence, and compensation negotiation. We encourage individuals exposed to noise with their employer to contact us sooner, as certain time bars apply to claims. Contacting us sooner ensures timely resolution of potential hearing loss claims.
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)
The Ministry of Defence administers the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, providing compensation for service-related injuries, including hearing loss, within 7 years of the injury.
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme is a mechanism for obtaining compensation from the MOD, but the decision is based on the circumstances and injury. The compensation range can vary and may be nominal compared to civil means.
Civil means bringing a claim through solicitors for injuries, ensuring maximum compensation for injuries and losses. Although compensation paid through AFCS may be less than compensation awarded in due course, there is no justification for using both the civil process and AFCS.
Who is eligible for the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme?
The scheme covers all regular service personnel, the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, and members of the reserves for all three services. You can claim whether you still serve or have left HM Armed Forces.
How much compensation will I receive?
Compensation is awarded via the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). This will be a financial award calculated regarding a tariff of injuries and their severity.
There are 2 main types of AFCS awards:
- A tax-free lump sum payment for pain and suffering
- A Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) which is a tax-free, index-linked monthly payment.
The Scheme is designed to provide compensation, irrespective of fault, across the full range of circumstances in which illness, injury or death may arise as a result of service.
Defence discount service
An affiliate charity, Oakwood Solicitors, is proud to support is Defence Service Discount.
The Defence Discount Service is the official MoD discount service for the Armed Forces, Veterans, and Armed Forces Community.
It offers discounts both online and in stores, and includes the Defence Privilege Card, a vetted discount card for military discounts, allowing veterans and the Armed Forces Community to access these benefits.
Further information:
Deafblind Awareness Week 2025.
Deafblind UK: Veterans foundation.
Deafblind UK: Support for veterans.
Oakwood Solicitors Blue light card.
Defence Service Discount.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
At Oakwood Solicitors Ltd, we are committed to supporting Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and reservists, whether they are still serving or have entered civilian life. Proudly partnered with the veterans’ charity, Front Foot.
Our solicitors specialise in military claims, including complex cases such as hearing loss, we can also assist with other matters such as writing a Will, property, and family law.
Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help you.
Download PDF
Liam Hill is a Solicitor and Deputy Head of the Industrial Disease Team, having trained and qualified at Oakwood Solicitors. Liam joined us in 2013 after successfully completing the Legal Practice C…
We would love to hear your comments or feedback
Guide to Military Injury Claims for Compensation
Serving in the military is an honourable and often challenging role, carrying with it risks that can sometimes result in injury or illness.
If you have been harmed while serving in…
View
Vibration Injury Guide – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
'Vibration Injury' can sound rather vague, so here we will be focusing on one of the most common vibration injuries - Carpal tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Read on to learn more about …
View
What is Military Deafness and how much can I claim?
Military deafness claims are usually made by armed forces personnel against The Ministry of Defence if they believe they have lost their hearing due to being exposed to high levels of noise in ser…
View
