More than 300 Northern police officers and British soldiers are to begin compensation claims for loss of hearing.
They claim they were given inadequate ear protection during weapons training and are now suffering hearing loss and tinnitus.
The claims are reminiscent of a spate of similar claims lodged by members of the Defence Forces in the Republic during the 1990s which cost the State some €350 million in compensation.
Keenan Solicitors, an east Belfast practice, is handling the claims from serving PSNI members and former RUC, the former Ulster Defence Regiment and the British army. They say they were offered no ear protection during firearms exercises.
Mr Cormac Keenan, solicitor, said the problem should have been avoided as it had been known for years that excessive noise causes long-term hearing damage. He said the police and the British army did not always meet their obligation to protect those undergoing weapons training. For decades, soldiers have reportedly stuffed cigarette butts into their ears in an attempt to protect themselves.
The regular British army was quicker to provide ear protection than was the locally recruited UDR, said Mr Keenan.
The British army declined to comment, claiming that to do so was inappropriate if legal cases were pending. The PSNI said the service is "aware" of the claims.