An action for damages for alleged hearing loss by an Air Corps airman who had worked in the Naval Service was settled at the High Court yesterday. Most hearing claims have been taken by serving or former soldiers.
Airman John Daly (34), of Carragh Green, Naas, Co Kildare, had sued the Minister for Defence. The case opened before Mr Justice O'Donovan yesterday morning but in the afternoon Mr Alan Mahon SC, for Airman Daly, said it had been settled.
Opening the case Mr Mahon said Airman Daly had enlisted in the Naval Service in 1984 and was a naval gunner for two years before transferring to the Air Corps.
In the navy he was exposed to noise from heavy guns being fired on a regular basis, counsel said. In the Air Corps he was exposed to noise from weapons firing and range practice while exposed to noise from aircraft. Only recently had his client received appropriate hearing protection.
Airman Daly also did a lot of flying, during which he was exposed to a considerable level of noise, counsel added. This year he had given up flying on a voluntary basis and was restricted to ground work. He found flying particularly severe on his ears and hearing and was concerned about the longer term.
In evidence Airman Daly said that while in the Air Corps he had gone on maritime patrols which involved him taking aerial photographs. Patrols could last up to seven hours. As a photo observer he had to take photographs through an open window of the plane. On an average patrol, he would open and close the window about 100 or more times.
He was not aware he had any problem with his hearing until he went for a medical test before going on an overseas trip when he was told he had a serious problem with his hearing, the airman said.