Tinnitus (the persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears) affects a significant proportion of veterans and is directly linked to noise exposure during service. If you have tinnitus, you have a claimable condition.
Under DVA's Statement of Principles, tinnitus is assessed using the same noise exposure thresholds as sensorineural hearing loss. This means if your hearing loss claim is accepted, your tinnitus claim is almost certainly viable using the same service evidence. Many veterans claim both conditions simultaneously.
Tinnitus is a PAMT-eligible condition, meaning you can access funded treatment (including sound therapy and tinnitus retraining therapy) while your DVA claim is being assessed. You do not need to wait for a determination to start treatment.
Why Tinnitus is common in the ADF
The same environments that cause hearing loss cause tinnitus: weapons ranges, artillery batteries, armoured vehicles, aircraft flight decks, and explosive ordnance disposal. The cochlear damage that produces tinnitus is often permanent, and symptoms can worsen over time even after leaving service.
Tinnitus is frequently dismissed as a minor annoyance, but for many veterans it significantly impacts sleep, concentration, and mental health. Chronic tinnitus has a documented association with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, all of which are separately claimable if service-related.
Medical access
Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT)
Tinnitus is on the PAMT list. This means you can access funded medical treatment while your DVA claim is being assessed — you do not need to wait for a liability decision to start treatment.
Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) with a qualified audiologist
Sound therapy devices and white noise generators
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for tinnitus management
Audiologist assessments and tinnitus management programs
Deadline: PAMT applications for Tinnitus must be lodged by 30 June 2026. After this date, PAMT will no longer be available as the VETS Act takes effect. Do not wait.
Statement of Principles — in plain English
DVA assesses your claim against a Statement of Principles (SoP). Here are the key factors that most commonly apply to Tinnitus claims, translated from the legal language.
Cumulative noise exposure at work, the primary pathway for most veterans
Exposure to cumulative noise of at least 85 dB(A) LAeq8h for at least 5 years
Acoustic trauma from a single event: explosion, artillery round, weapons fire
Exposure to a peak noise level of at least 130 dB(A) on a single occasion
Otitis media or middle ear infection as a contributing cause
Diagnosed otitis media within the period of service and a plausible connection to current tinnitus
Conditions that commonly develop alongside
Veterans with Tinnitus often develop related conditions that may also be claimable. These are worth assessing at the same time as your primary claim.
What to expect for impairment points
Tinnitus impairment points under GARP M are assessed on the severity of the condition and its impact on daily function. Mild tinnitus that does not disrupt sleep or concentration typically attracts 0–2 points. Moderate tinnitus affecting sleep and work capacity can attract 3–5 points. Severe, constant tinnitus with significant functional impact can attract higher points.
When claimed alongside hearing loss, tinnitus and hearing loss points are combined using DVA's whole-person impairment formula. This generally results in a combined score higher than either condition alone. For this reason, claiming both at the same time is almost always the right approach.
Use the DVA PI Points CalculatorWhat a strong Tinnitus claim looks like
Audiologist or ENT specialist report confirming the diagnosis of tinnitus and assessing its severity
Service records demonstrating noise-hazardous postings and weapons handling history
Consistent medical history of tinnitus complaints, ideally documented in service medical records
Statement describing when tinnitus started, whether it has worsened, and how it affects daily life (sleep, concentration, work)
If claiming alongside hearing loss, the same audiometric report can support both conditions
DVA currently takes 3–6 months to decide most initial liability claims. Complex or multi-condition claims can take longer. Lodging a complete, decision-ready claim upfront reduces back-and-forth.
Processing times guideCommon questions about Tinnitus claims
Ready to claim Tinnitus?
Book a free consultation and we'll walk you through whether your condition meets the SoP factors, what evidence you need, and how to build a decision-ready claim.
Book a free consultationRelated conditions