Soldier 'left so deaf from roar of planes that he cannot hear the microwave ping' sues the MoD for £700,000

By OLIVIA DAY, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR, AUSTRALIA Published: 12:35, 16 July 2026 | Updated: 12:35, 16 July 2026 A former Parachute Regiment soldier who says he was left so deaf by the roar of military aircraft that he struggles to hear the microwave 'ping' is now suing the MoD for more than £700,000. Cleophys Hoare, 34, claims he suffered life-changing hearing damage during a decade in the Army after being exposed to 'excessive and harmful' noise while travelling on aircraft to parachute jumps.  The former 3 Para infantryman, from Gloucestershire, claims he was unable to wear over-ear defenders because they were incompatible with his helmet, leaving him reliant on ear plugs while sitting close to the engines of military transport planes.  Mr Hoare claims the damage was worsened by exposure to gunfire during training and operational duties, ultimately leaving him with hearing loss and tinnitus.  He was medically discharged from the Army in 2024 and is now suing the MoD in London's High Court, alleging commanders failed to adequately protect his hearing. The former lance corporal said his condition affects almost every aspect of daily life.  The father of three young boys struggles to hear his doorbell, his washing machine and the 'ping' of the microwave, according to court documents. Mr Hoare also claims the hearing problems have taken a significant toll on his mental health, his sleep and his ability to concentrate.  Cleophys Hoare claims he suffered life-changing hearing damage during a decade in the Army after being exposed to 'excessive and harmful' noise on military transport planes Mr Hoare's barrister told the court he has been diagnosed with an adjustment disorder after finding the transition to civilian life 'very hard' The MoD has accepted it will be liable for 90 per cent of the damages awarded, but disputes the extent of his injuries and whether his military service caused them. Mr Hoare served in the Third Battalion of the Parachute Regiment between 2014 and 2020 before transferring to the Royal Logistics Corps, where he remained until his discharge, according to court filings.  His barrister, Sabrina Hartshorn, said he was routinely exposed to the noise of machine guns, assault rifles, grenades and flashbangs while undertaking training at Infantry Training Centre Catterick in North Yorkshire.  Although he wore standard-issue hearing protection, he regularly experienced ringing in his ears after firing weapons, which sometimes lasted for days.  Ms Hartshorn said Mr Hoare later completed up to 30 parachute jumps while based at Merville Barracks in Colchester and RAF Brize Norton.  'The claimant was provided only with ear buds placed within the ear,' she said.  'Over-the-ear defenders were not compatible with the helmets used by those parachuting. It was considered more important to wear the helmet rather than the correct hearing protection. 'The claimant was exposed to excessive and harmful levels of noise which came from the sound of the aircraft's engine the claimant was being transported in. Barrister Sabrina Hartshorn said  former 3 Para infantryman was routinely exposed to the noise of machine guns, assault rifles, grenades and flashbangs (pictured is an Airbus A400M Atlas) 'Even when not jumping, the claimant was surrounded by noise from aircraft such as the C130 Hercules or Airbus A400M Atlas military aircraft.' She added that Mr Hoare believed the equipment provided by the Army was adequate because it was standard issue.  He was eventually medically downgraded because of worsening hearing problems before leaving the Army after 10 years of service.  Ms Hartshorn said he now suffers hearing loss in both ears and tinnitus, making conversations in groups particularly difficult. 'Loud sounds made him feel uncomfortable and he didn't like having lots of different noises around at the same time,' she said. 'He struggled to hear his three young boys with the television on and the loud noise made him feel stressed.' Ms Hartshorn told the court Mr Hoare has been diagnosed with an adjustment disorder after finding the transition to civilian life 'very hard'.  'He had lost confidence; he was not sleeping well; he was sad and tearful most of the time; he rarely experienced pleasure; he felt tired and lacking in energy; he struggled to concentrate,' she said. Defence documents acknowledge that the noise levels to which Mr Hoare was exposed during his time on aircraft such as the one pictured were capable of causing harm Defence documents acknowledge that the noise levels to which Mr Hoare was exposed during his military service were capable of causing harm. However, MoD lawyers argue he must still prove both the extent of his injuries and that military noise exposure caused or materially contributed to them. Barrister Kam Jaspal, for the MoD, stated: 'The claimant is required to prove that the defendant's negligence/breach of duty caused or materially contributed to the alleged, or any personal injury, loss and damage to the claimant.' The case came before Deputy Master Lorna Skinner for a procedural hearing ahead of trial.  Mr Hoare's solicitor, Sam Edwards, told the court the claim has not yet been fully quantified but is already worth more than £700,000. The case is due to return to court for a full trial unless it is settled beforehand.