Published by 
For over a decade, thousands of military service members trusted 3M Combat Arms Earplugs to protect their hearing in combat and training environments. However, many have since suffered hearing loss and tinnitus due to a critical defect in these earplugs.
What Happened?
Between 2003 and 2015, 3M supplied the U.S. military with Combat Arms Earplugs, claiming they provided adequate hearing protection. However, investigations revealed that these earplugs were defective, failing to properly seal in the ear and exposing soldiers to dangerous noise levels.
Internal documents show that 3M was aware of these defects as early as 2000 but continued to sell the earplugs without disclosing the issue. In August 2022, a court ruled that 3M must face over 230,000 lawsuits, making this one of the largest mass tort cases in U.S. history.
Common conditions associated with defective earplug use include:
- Partial or complete hearing loss
- Persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Difficulty understanding speech
- Increased sensitivity to loud noises
Related Article: 3M Earplug Lawsuit Update
How Were the Ear Plugs Designed?
The first version of 3M Combat Arms Earplugs was not dual-ended.
The second-generation Combat Arms Earplugs (CAEv2) featured a dual-ended design:
- Yellow End: Allowed soldiers to hear commands while reducing high-impact noise from gunfire or explosions.
- Darker End: Supposedly blocked out all harmful noise, providing full protection.
3M claimed these earplugs provided a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 22 decibels, the minimum required for military use. However, independent testing found the true rating was only 10.9 decibels, leaving service members vulnerable to hearing damage.
Related Article: How Long Will the 3M Earplug Lawsuit Take?
What was the Design Defect?
The primary flaw in the Combat Arms Earplugs was their short stem design, which prevented a secure fit. As a result, the earplugs would gradually loosen in the ear canal without the user realizing it.
Additional issues included:
- The earplugs only provided proper noise protection if the flange was manually folded back—yet no instructions were given to soldiers on how to do this.
- Testing revealed that noise leaked through gaps, reducing effectiveness to nearly half the advertised level.
Which Conflicts Were the Defective Earplugs Used in?
In addition to training exercises, U.S. military service members used the 3M earplugs in the following conflicts:
- Afghanistan War
- Iraq War
- War in Somalia
- North-West Pakistan conflicts
- Libya interventions (2011), (2015)
- Operation Ocean Shield
- Iraq interventions ( 2014 to 2017)
- Syrian interventions (2014 to current)
- Civil War in Yemen (2015 onward)
Related Article: How to Qualify for a 3M Lawsuit?
Legal Process for Filing a 3M Earplug Lawsuit in Georgia
Under Georgia’s product liability laws, plaintiffs do not need to prove negligence. Instead, they must demonstrate that:
- The product was defective. This could mean a design flaw (such as the earplugs being too short to seal properly), a manufacturing defect, or a failure in marketing (such as a lack of instructions for proper use).
- The defect led to injury. Plaintiffs must show that their hearing loss or tinnitus resulted from using the defective earplugs. Medical records, audiology reports, and testimonies from healthcare providers can strengthen a claim.
- The product was used as intended. Plaintiffs need to confirm they used the earplugs during their military service in the way they were instructed.
Statute of Limitations in Georgia Georgia imposes a two-year statute of limitations for product liability lawsuits related to personal injury. This means that veterans must file their claim within two years from the date they discovered their hearing loss or tinnitus was linked to the defective 3M earplugs.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
If your case is successful, you may be eligible for:
- Medical expenses: Costs related to audiology exams, hearing aids, or other treatments.
- Lost wages: Compensation for any work-related impact due to hearing impairment.
- Pain and suffering: Damages for emotional distress caused by permanent hearing damage.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, courts may award additional damages to penalize 3M for knowingly selling defective products.
Related Articles:
See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys have covered.
FAQs
1. Who Can File a 3M Earplug Lawsuit in Georgia?
Any current or former military personnel stationed in Georgia who used 3M Combat Arms Earplugs and suffered hearing loss or tinnitus can file a lawsuit.
2. How Do I Know If I Qualify For a 3M Earplug Lawsuit?
You may know if you qualify for a 3M earplug lawsuit if you used 3M Combat Arms Earplugs during your military service and have been diagnosed with hearing loss or tinnitus.
3. What Evidence Do I Need For a 3M Earplug Lawsuit?
The evidence you need for a 3M earplug lawsuit includes military service records, medical records documenting hearing loss or tinnitus, and proof of using 3M earplugs during service.