Published by 
What's the Problem?
United States military service members rely on government-issued gear to help them complete missions effectively and safely. However, a slew of recent lawsuits alleges that a design flaw in the 3M Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplug exposed users to hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and loss of balance (vertigo).
For over a decade, the faulty 3M earplugs were the only ear protection available to U.S. service members. Most branches of the military supplied 3M earplugs as standard issues, meaning that millions of wearers could have potentially suffered hearing loss. 3M Combat Arms Earplugs have also never been recalled, which means that many people may still be using them.
Related Article: 3M Earplug Lawsuit Update
How Were 3M Combat Arms Earplugs Supposed to Work?
3M military earplugs are non-linear, selective attenuation earplugs designed to provide 2 options for sound reduction, depending on how a soldier wears them.
Wearing the earplug with the olive-colored end in the ear blocks all sound like a traditional earplug, whereas with the yellow end in the ear, the earplugs block or significantly reduce loud noises such as gunshots and explosions, but still allow the wearer to hear spoken orders or approaching enemy combatants.
Related Article: How Long Will the Settlement Take?
Hearing Loss Symptoms
Sadly, hearing loss and tinnitus are some of the most common disabilities veterans develop after their service. Many veterans are likely unaware that they suffered hearing loss due to faulty 3M Combat Arms Earplugs. Common signs and symptoms of hearing loss or tinnitus include:
- A buzzing or ringing in the ears after being exposed to noise
- Difficulty understanding what a person is saying
- Struggling to hear things properly because background noise is overwhelming
- Feeling as though your ears are “full” after leaving a crowded or noisy area
What Does 3M Say About its Earplugs?
A 3M spokesperson claims that the creation of the Combat Arms earplugs was to collaborate with the military to solve one of the longest-standing problems they have had, that soldiers won’t wear hearing protection in combat and around loud noises.
“All of our testings showed that the Combat Arms earplugs, when properly fitted and when used according to their instructions, work to protect people’s hearing,” 3M said. "Our military audiologists were well trained in how to train people and fit people for the use of earplugs; however, it should have worked and protected their hearing in environments where it was appropriate to be using these earplugs.”
Read Also: 3M Earplug Lawsuit Payout
Am I Eligible to File an Earplug Lawsuit Against 3M?
U.S. military service members and veterans who may be eligible for compensation for injuries caused by 3M Combat Arms Earplugs include the following:
- Veterans or active members of the U.S. military who served between 2003-2015
- Those who wore the 3M defective earplugs during their training or active service
- Those who suffer from permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo
Read Also: How to Qualify for a 3M Lawsuit?
FAQs
1. How Do I Know if I Am Eligible to Join the District of Columbia 3M Earplug Lawsuit?
You may be eligible if you used 3M earplugs, experienced hearing loss or tinnitus, and can provide proof of earplug use and related medical conditions. Consult a lawyer for eligibility.
2. What Evidence Is Needed to Support a Claim in the District of Columbia 3M Earplug Lawsuit?
Evidence needed includes medical records showing hearing loss or tinnitus, proof of 3M earplug use, and documentation linking the earplugs to your auditory issues. Detailed medical and employment records are crucial.
3. How Can I Find a Lawyer for the District of Columbia 3M Earplug Lawsuit?
Search for attorneys specializing in product liability or personal injury, specifically those experienced with hearing loss claims. Check reviews, seek referrals, and consult with lawyers to discuss your case.
What is the Status of 3M Earplug Lawsuits?
About 230,000 current military service members and veterans have filed lawsuits against 3M and its Aearo Technologies LLC subsidiary in multidistrict litigation (MDL) overseen by Judge M. Casey Rodgers in the Northern District of Florida.
3M has won 6 of the 16 bellwether trials to date. The other 10 trials yielded cumulative verdicts totaling over $250 million for plaintiffs. Large verdicts in many of the trials have led to aggregate liability estimates in the billions.
Related Articles:
See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys have covered.