A retired sergeant-major who suffers from noise-induced deafness and tinnitus has been awarded £28,000 damages in the High Court. Mr Justice Shanley yesterday granted the damages to Mr John Baldwin (55), a father of three, of Highfield Estate, Newbridge, Co Kildare. He served 38 years mainly with supply and transport division of the Army before voluntarily retiring last year.
Mr Baldwin, during his time in the Army, had to participate in or be present at some 30 weapons-firing exercises each year up to 1978. After that, he attended such exercises less frequently.
Mr Justice Shanley accepted the evidence that Mr Baldwin suffered from noise-induced deafness and tinnitus and physical and social effects from both conditions. He awarded him £8,000 for pain and suffering to date and £20,000 in respect of anticipated pain and suffering in the future.
Mr Baldwin said he had a buzzing in his ears, which had been coming and going from about 1995 but was now continuous. The State contested liability but during the case said it accepted, if Mr Baldwin was found to have noise-induced deafness and tinnitus, it was due to his Army service.