Average DVA Payout for Hearing Loss (2026)

Most veterans with service-related hearing loss receive between $0 and $200,000+ in permanent impairment compensation, depending on the severity of their binaural hearing loss, service type, and age. The range is that wide because mild hearing loss often scores 0 impairment points under GARP, while severe bilateral hearing loss can score 40+ points.

Hearing loss is assessed differently from most DVA conditions. Instead of a clinical judgement about severity, it’s calculated directly from your audiogram results using a mathematical formula. That makes it one of the most objective assessments in the system, but also one where small differences in your audiogram can have a large impact on your payout.

How DVA assesses hearing loss impairment

Hearing loss is assessed under GARP M Chapter 7, Table 7.1 (Hearing Loss). It’s separate from tinnitus, which falls under Table 7.2. If you have both conditions, they’re assessed independently and then combined.

The assessment process works like this:

• Step 1: Audiogram. A professional audiogram is conducted by Australian Hearing or an equivalent provider. The test measures your hearing thresholds at specific frequencies (500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 3000 Hz) in each ear.
• Step 2: Binaural hearing loss calculation. Your percentage of binaural hearing loss is calculated from the audiogram using the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL) formula. This produces a single percentage figure representing your overall hearing impairment across both ears. The formula weights the better ear more heavily (five-sixths) and the worse ear less (one-sixth).
• Step 3: Age-related deduction. DVA deducts any hearing loss attributable to normal ageing (presbycusis) based on standardised age-correction tables. The older you are at assessment, the larger the deduction.
• Step 4: Impairment rating. The age-corrected binaural hearing loss percentage is converted to an impairment rating under GARP Table 7.1.

The approximate conversion:

What each impairment level is worth

Approximate lump sum ranges for hearing loss as a standalone condition under the MRCA, based on 2026 indexed rates. Remember that hearing loss is often claimed alongside tinnitus, which adds 5–15 additional impairment points.

When hearing loss and tinnitus are combined, the total ear-related impairment can be substantial. A veteran with 15 points for hearing loss and 10 points for tinnitus, combined with other musculoskeletal conditions, can quickly reach 50–60+ combined impairment points and the Gold Card threshold.

The SoP factors for hearing loss

DVA uses the Statement of Principles for sensorineural hearing loss to determine service connection. The most common factors for ADF veterans are:

• Cumulative noise exposure. Being exposed to a noise level of at least 85 dB(A) for a cumulative period of at least 3,650 hours before clinical onset. This covers nearly every combat, engineering, aviation, armoured, artillery, and naval role.
• Peak sound pressure. Exposure to a peak sound pressure level of at least 140 dB(C) at the tympanic membrane. Weapons firing, blast exposure, and explosive breaching.
• Acoustic trauma. Specific events causing immediate hearing damage.

The key evidence is your service history documenting noise exposure. You don’t need a specific incident report. A detailed occupational history statement showing the environments, equipment, and duration of noise exposure during your service is usually sufficient.

Where veterans lose points

• Getting assessed too late. The age-related deduction gets larger every year. The same audiogram at 40 produces more impairment points than the same audiogram at 55 because more of the loss is attributed to ageing. If your hearing is declining, earlier assessment means more points.
• Not claiming tinnitus alongside hearing loss. Many veterans have both but only claim one. Tinnitus is assessed separately under Table 7.2 and adds 5–15 additional impairment points. Always claim both.
• Audiogram conducted in suboptimal conditions. Background noise during the test, equipment issues, or testing when you have a cold or ear infection can affect results. Make sure your audiogram is conducted in a proper sound booth by an accredited provider.
• DRCA vs MRCA hearing loss apportionment. If your noise exposure spans both DRCA and MRCA service periods, the impairment has to be split between the two Acts. This can reduce the amount payable under each. An interval audiogram from around 30 June 2004 (if one exists) helps establish how much loss occurred in each period.

What to do next

If you served in a noisy environment and have noticed hearing changes, get an audiogram and claim. If your hearing has worsened since your last assessment, request a reassessment. And if you have hearing loss accepted but haven’t also claimed tinnitus, lodge that claim.

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim hearing loss if my audiogram is borderline?

Yes. Even mild hearing loss can reach the 5% binaural threshold required under the MRCA. The key is having a detailed noise exposure history from your service records to satisfy the SoP factor. A borderline audiogram combined with strong service evidence can still result in an accepted claim.

Does DVA pay for hearing aids?

Yes. If hearing loss is an accepted condition (listed on your White Card), DVA covers hearing aids and assistive listening devices through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) at no cost to you.

Can I claim hearing loss if I used hearing protection?

Yes. Hearing protection reduces exposure but doesn’t eliminate it. Cumulative exposure over years of service can still exceed the SoP threshold even with protection. The SoP factor is based on actual exposure levels, not whether protection was used.

How often can I get my hearing reassessed?

You can request a reassessment at any time if your hearing has worsened. DVA accepts audiologist reports up to three years old. If you believe your hearing has declined since your last assessment, get a fresh audiogram and lodge a reassessment claim.

What if my hearing loss is in one ear only?

The binaural hearing loss formula weights the better ear more heavily (five-sixths) and the worse ear less (one-sixth). Unilateral hearing loss therefore produces a lower binaural percentage than bilateral loss of the same severity. You can still claim and receive impairment points, but the rating will be lower than equivalent bilateral loss.