3M Earplugs (ear plugs) Cause Hearing Loss for Military

I will not charge a fee unless there is a recovery for you.

 Did you use military-supplied 3m earplugs between 2003 and 2015? 

 Have you experienced hearing loss or hearing damage due to defective ear plugs since that time? Call me, a lawyer in Mobile experienced in personal injury law.

In a settlement in July 2018, the 3M corporation agreed to pay over $9 million in a False Claims Act lawsuit to settle allegations that it knowingly supplied the United States military with defective ear plugs. The lawsuit brought on behalf of the government alleged that the company covered up that the dual-ended earplugs could loosen, allowing hearing damage to occur and that thousands of service members were supplied the defective 3M Combat Arms Earplugs from 2003 to 2015.

Minneapolis-based 3M manufactured these dual-ended earplugs for hearing protection from firearms and other loud noises. Due to the defective design, the earplugs can loosen and move out of the ear canal enough for the loud sounds to cause hearing damage. According to reports, 3M knew of these design defects, but knowingly sold them to the US military from 2003-2015.  The Earplugs had a design defect that rendered them completely ineffective and the earplugs did not properly fit into the ear canal. Almost immediately after the plugs were placed in the ear, they would become loose. Service members often did not even realize that the earplugs were loose.  

3M Knew the Earplugs Were Defective

3M was apparently aware that the Combat Arms Earplugs were defectively designed but chose not to disclose this to the military. In 2018, a case was brought against 3M regarding the Earplugs. The case showed that 3M was aware of the flaw in the earplugs and deliberately withheld this information. 3M  agreed to settle the case. 3M's settlement is not an admission of liability. However, the following regarding 3M are well known:

• The design of the Earplugs is defective
• 3M knew of the defect and that it could cause hearing loss
• 3M withheld this information from the military and failed to warn users about the defect

Servicemembers and combat veterans have reported multiple problems, including:

• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears
• Permanent hearing damage
• Deafness

Were you issued 3M Combat Arms earplugs in the military?

I am investigating claims related to the 3M Combat Arms earplugs and the subsequent hearing loss and tinnitus reported by servicemembers. Military personnel who were diagnosed with these problems after using the defective earplugs may file lawsuits against the manufacturer alleging that 3M knowingly supplied the defective earplugs to servicemembers leaving them vulnerable to hearing damage, hearing loss and tinnitus.

Filing a claim against 3M could help you recover compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical bills
• Past lost wages
• Future lost wages
• Permanent or temporary disability
• Punitive damages
• Loss of enjoyment of life

If you or a loved one was supplied 3M Earplugs while in the military and have been diagnosed with hearing loss or tinnitus, contact Stuart Y. Luckie, P.C., a lawyer in Mobile experienced in personal injury law today for a free consultation. You may be entitled to significant monetary compensation. There is no fee unless I recover for you.