The earplugs were issued by the U.S. military to protect soldiers during training and in combat between 2003 and 2015.
The earplugs were designed to be dual-ended, allowing the user to block out sound when inserted one way, but to filter sound when worn another way. This would allow the wearer to be able to hear commands but block out loud noise from gunfire or explosions. However, due to a design defect, the earplug may loosen in the ear canal, rendering the product ineffective. The earplugs may potentially lead to permanent hearing damage, including:
Recent 3M Earplug Lawsuit and Settlement News
The 3M earplug lawsuits allege that 3M knew for many years that its Combat Arms earplugs were defective. Instead of issuing a product recall or warning, 3M continued to sell them to the U.S. military. The U.S. military, in turn, issued them to most service members. According to one of the lawsuits, in a 2006 contract between the U.S. government and 3M, the company supplied an estimated annual quantity of
15,000 earplug packages (50 pairs in each package). This guaranteed 3M at least $9 million in sales for the year.
In July 2018, a $9.1 million settlement was reached with 3M and the U.S. Department of Justice concerning the Combat Arms earplugs. This settlement resolved claims that 3M defrauded the government by knowingly selling defective earplugs. Now, over 1,000 individual consumer lawsuits have been filed against 3M by veterans. These veterans allege they suffered personal injuries from their use of the earplugs.
What Does This Mean for You?
It’s not too late to investigate your claim. Have you experienced hearing damage after using 3M Combat Arms Earplugs during your service to the U.S. military? If you have been diagnosed with tinnitus or hearing loss, you may be eligible to file a 3M military earplug lawsuit and seek compensation.
Want to Know If You Have a Valid Claim to File a 3M Earplug Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one used 3M Combat Arms Earplugs during your service in the U.S. military and suffer from hearing loss or tinnitus, please contact us. You can reach our law firm by submitting an online form or by calling us at
(888) 984-7988 for a confidential evaluation of your potential claim.
