Understanding the Military Earplugs Lawsuit
For more than a decade, military personnel relied on 3M Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs to shield their ears from high-decibel noises, including helicopter noise, gunfire, and explosions. However, allegations have surfaced that 3M, the earplug manufacturer, negligently designed the product and omitted crucial safety warnings, resulting in permanent injuries among service members, such as hearing loss and tinnitus (persistent ringing in the ears).
What Risks Are Associated With 3M Combat Arms Earplugs?
Service members and combat veterans have reported multiple side effects after the use of 3M Combat Arms Earplugs, including:
Deafness
Permanent Hearing Damage
Ringing in the Ears or Tinnitus
What Are 3M Combat Arms Earplugs?
3M Combat Arms Earplugs are uniquely designed double-ended earplugs that are meant to offer versatility based on noise conditions. Users can select one side of the earplug over the other, tailoring their hearing protection to the specific environment. One side provides consistent attenuation suitable for indoor range shooting. In contrast, the other side is optimized for noise reduction in scenarios such as hunting, tactical operations, outdoor range shooting, and situations demanding heightened situational awareness.
What Was the Defect in the 3M Combat Earplugs?
The earplugs are yellow on one side and green on the other, each indicating the level of noise protection. The defective design allegation is that the earplug itself is too short, causing the earplugs to loosen and shift out of the ear canal. The shift out of the ear canal goes unnoticed by the user, and subjects military service members to dangerous and damaging noise levels, causing tinnitus or even hearing loss.
Could You Qualify for a Lawsuit Related to 3M Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs?
If you suspect you may be eligible for a lawsuit concerning 3M earplugs, we recommend reaching out to our experts for a complimentary case evaluation. It costs you nothing, and there may be time constraints to consider. If you meet the criteria, we'll file your defective earplugs claim within the applicable timeframe and gather all necessary evidence to pursue the compensation you deserve. To be eligible for a 3M earplug lawsuit, you must meet the following three criteria:
- Used 3M dual-ended Combat Arms Earplugs
- Served in the military between 2003 and 2015
- Have been diagnosed with tinnitus or hearing loss due to military service
If you are still an active-duty member of the military, you might not currently qualify for a lawsuit. However, ensure that your hearing loss has been adequately documented in your medical records.