Over 4,000 troops are suing the Ministry of Defence after going deaf

MORE than 4,000 troops are suing the Ministry of Defence after going deaf.

And experts fear up to 300,000 could be affected.

Many cases centre on hearing loss caused by a lack of protection during live-fire training.

Weapons produce more noise than an average jet engine on take-off.

Victims including those in their 20s could land an average of £20,000 in damages to cover the cost of specialist hearing aids at £5,000-a-pair.

Some who have seen future earnings hit could even win payouts of more than £100,000 each.

The Overseas Operations Bill aims to combat the rise in historic abuse cases brought against troops. But it is feared it could also hit legitimate compensation claims.

Lawyer Simon Ellis, of Hugh James, said: “The scale of the problem is huge. It’s heart-breaking to see clients coping with hearing aids and struggling with mental health.”

The MoD said: “Health and safety is a priority.”