Sensorineural Hearing Loss

This guide covers what DVA looks for when assessing this condition, including the relevant Statement of Principles factors, the evidence you should gather, and common preparation tips. Expand each section for more detail.

You are reviewing the condition-specific guidance to understand what evidence and preparation DVA expects.

Hearing EligibleVETS Act 2026

Also known as: Hearing LossSensorineural hearing loss is permanent hearing damage caused by injury to the inner ear or auditory nerve. In veterans, it is most commonly caused by exposure to loud noise during service. It often occurs alongside tinnitus. The RMA SoP specifies a peak sound pressure level of at least 140 dB(C) for acute acoustic trauma, or cumulative noise exposure above 85 dB(A) averaged over 8 hours (LAeq,8h) for chronic noise-induced hearing loss. DVA generally considers service in infantry, artillery, armoured corps, aviation, and naval engineering as meeting noise exposure thresholds. These thresholds are from current SoP instruments. Always verify the current instrument at rma.gov.au.

Provisional Access to Medical Treatment ()Sensorineural hearing loss is on the PAMT list.

DVA uses Statements of Principles () from the Repatriation Medical Authority to determine whether a condition can be linked to service. For Hearing Loss, DVA generally considers the following factors:

Exposure to a peak sound pressure level at the tympanic membrane of at least 140 dB(C)
Chronic noise exposure at 85 dB(A) or more for at least a cumulative period of two years during service
Acute acoustic trauma during service
Head or blast injury during service affecting the auditory system
Use of ototoxic medications during service
Barotrauma during service (e.g. diving, parachuting)

Reference: SoP No. 75 of 2025 (Reasonable Hypothesis) / SoP No. 76 of 2025 (Balance of Probabilities). Key thresholds: 140 dB(C) peak sound pressure or 85 dB(A) TWA. RH applies to operational/warlike service; BoP applies to peacetime service. Verify at rma.gov.au.Source: rma.gov.au — verify this directly with DVA for your circumstances.

DVA uses two different standards of proof depending on your type of service. Understanding which applies to you can help you prepare your evidence.

Reasonable Hypothesis (RH)Applies to: operational, warlike, or non-warlike serviceUnder the Reasonable Hypothesis standard (operational/warlike/non-warlike service), DVA generally considers that noise exposure above specified thresholds during service — such as cumulative exposure to 85 dB(A) or more — with clinical onset of hearing loss is sufficient to raise a reasonable hypothesis.

Balance of Probabilities (BoP)Applies to: peacetime serviceUnder the Balance of Probabilities standard (peacetime service), DVA generally considers that the veteran must show it is more likely than not that hearing loss was caused by noise exposure during service, proven by audiometric evidence and service noise exposure history.

In plain EnglishIf you had operational or warlike service, the Reasonable Hypothesis (RH) standard applies — this is a lower threshold. If your service was peacetime only, the stricter Balance of Probabilities (BoP) standard applies. Audiometric evidence (audiograms) is important for both standards. SoP instruments are updated periodically by the RMA. Always verify the current instrument at rma.gov.au/sops.

Benefit of the doubt: DVA is legally required to give you the benefit of the doubt if evidence is evenly balanced (s119 , s335 ). Learn more

DVA generally considers the standard of proof based on your service type. Verify this directly with DVA or a qualified advocate.

Required

Full audiological assessmentA comprehensive hearing test from a qualified audiologist showing the type, degree, and configuration of hearing loss.How to get it: Ask your GP for a referral to an audiologist. The audiological assessment should include pure-tone audiometry and speech discrimination testing.Estimated time: 2-4 weeks

Service records showing noise exposureDocumentation of your military trade, postings, and activities that involved noise exposure.How to get it: Request service records from Defence. Your trade or occupation is often sufficient evidence of noise exposure.Estimated time: 4-8 weeks

ENT specialist or audiologist report linking hearing loss to noise exposureA report confirming that your pattern of hearing loss is consistent with noise-induced damage.How to get it: Ask for a referral to an ENT specialist. They can provide a definitive opinion on the cause of your hearing loss.Estimated time: 4-8 weeks

Claim tinnitus and hearing loss together if you have both — they share the same cause and evidence
DVA generally considers a noise-induced hearing loss pattern (high-frequency loss) on the audiogram to be relevant evidence of noise exposure
In-service and discharge audiograms are very useful — request these from Defence if you do not have them
DVA generally considers many military trades to involve hazardous noise, so do not assume your role was "too quiet" to qualify

Medical nexus statement (from your doctor)

A medical or audiological report linking your hearing loss to noise exposure during service.

What to ask your doctor

I am making a DVA claim for hearing loss caused by noise exposure during my service as a [trade/role]. Could you write a report?
I need a medical opinion on whether my hearing loss was caused by military noise exposure for a DVA claim.

Personal statement (your own words)

Describe your service history, the noise you were exposed to, and when you noticed hearing problems. Explain the current impact on your daily life.

Suggested structure

Your military trade and the types of noise you were exposed to
Specific loud noise events or ongoing noise environments
Hearing protection availability and adequacy
When you first noticed hearing difficulty
How hearing loss affects your daily life — conversations, phone calls, television, social situations

Common mistakes to avoid

✗Not being specific about noise exposure sources and duration
✗Forgetting to mention situations where hearing loss causes difficulty now
✗Not mentioning tinnitus if you also have it

Mistakes veterans commonly make when claiming for Hearing Loss, and how to avoid them.

Only getting a basic hearing check instead of a full audiological assessmentEnsure you see a qualified audiologist for a full diagnostic assessment, not just a pharmacy or online hearing check.

Not claiming tinnitus alongside hearing lossIf you also experience tinnitus, claim both conditions together.

Not obtaining pre-service or in-service audiograms for comparisonRequest your Defence medical records, which should include entry and discharge hearing tests.

Treatments DVA may cover

Hearing aids provided at no cost through Australian Hearing
Hearing aid batteries and maintenance
Audiological reviews and adjustments
Assistive listening devices for home (TV, phone)
Communication strategies counselling

Next steps to consider

Proceed to Permanent Impairment claim — hearing loss is permanent
Claim tinnitus if you have not already
Access hearing aids through DVA via Australian Hearing
Consider whether hearing loss has contributed to social isolation, anxiety, or depression — claim those as secondary if so

Actual entitlements depend on individual DVA assessment. This is indicative only.

Ready to take the next step?

You do not need to have everything ready before you start. Use these tools to work through the process at your own pace.

Check My Eligibility Build Evidence Checklist View Forms How to Lodge

Official + GuidanceVerified March 2026

This page combines official DVA information with platform-authored guidance. Official sources are cited where applicable.

SoP factors sourced from RMA. Guidance text explains official processes in plain language.

RMA — Statements of Principles

This is a guide onlyThis information is a free guide. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or financial advice. Always verify with DVA directly or with a qualified advocate before lodging a claim.

When you are readyBuild your evidence checklist

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

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