April 10, 2020 | 3M Combat Arms Earplugs
From 2003-2015, the American government issued earplugs manufactured by 3M to servicemembers in the military as a standard form of protection against any loud noises on the battlefield. However, it has been found that these earplugs were not only defective, but they provided little to no protection to our military, resulting in significant hearing loss and injury.
For more than 12 years, 3M’s Combat Arm Earplugs, Version 2, were the standard government-issued ear protection tools for the military. Because our servicemembers are exposed to incredibly sharp, loud noises such as explosions and gunshots, proper ear protection is required at all times.
The Combat Arm Earplugs were allegedly an effective form of ear protection. The earplugs had two sides: a black side to completely block out all noises, and a yellow side to allow servicemembers to hear low-level sounds like verbal commands.
However, the earplugs had a serious design defect: they were too short to be fully inserted into users’ ears. As a result, they felt like they provided protection – but as time went on, the earplugs gradually loosened until they provided none at all.
Prolonged exposure to loud noises during active duty have resulted in hearing loss and tinnitus in thousands of servicemembers. Tinnitus is an illusion that you are hearing sound even though no external sound is audible. Although this commonly presents itself as ringing in the ears, it can also sound like hissing, buzzing, clicking, or humming.
Most cases of tinnitus are minor – in fact, many civilians may suffer from tinnitus and live a normal life. However, the prolonged exposure to loud noises that servicemembers experience can result in a much more serious form of tinnitus. A simple ringing can worsen into something that sounds more akin to a distracted roaring that can significant impact someone’s quality of life.
Additionally, some servicemembers may also develop auditory processing disorder, a difficulty understanding speech even if all hearing tests indicate normal hearing. Those suffering from auditory processing disorder can have incredible difficulty understanding conversations in noisy places.
All of this can compound into a significant reduced quality of life, exhibiting symptoms such as:
In July 2018, 3M agreed to pay the U.S. government $9.1 million for selling defective earplugs to the military. However, 3M made no such arrangements to compensate the individual servicemembers impacted by the defective products. Any servicemembers who were affected by 3M’s products must file a claim against them in order to receive the full and fair compensation they deserve.
It is important to note that, as early as 2000, 3M was well aware of the inherent defects of the Combat Arms Earplugs. In fact, they disclosed that such products did not have any extended benefits to noise reduction.
Not only do impacted servicemembers deserve compensation for their injuries, but 3M also deserves to be held accountable for their gross negligence.
Those who have been impacted by the defective earplugs may be able to recover compensation for:
You may also be able to secure punitive damages – especially since 3M knowingly deployed defective equipment.
If you or a loved one is suffering due to the defective 3M Combat Earplugs, please contact The Dunken Law Firm today to discuss your case. We are committed to seeking the maximum possible compensation you deserve for your injuries.