3M Military Combat Earplugs Lawsuit
Veterans who served between 2003-2015 and suffer hearing damage may be entitled to significant compensation. Learn about your legal rights.
What Is the 3M Earplug Lawsuit?
Were you in the military anytime between 2003-2015? You were likely exposed to defective earplugs that damaged hundreds of thousands of veterans. Many now have tinnitus or other serious hearing problems as a direct result of 3M’s negligence.
The United States Department of Justice has reported that 3M, a long-time defense contractor, paid more than $9 million to settle a lawsuit regarding the Dual-Ended Combat Arms™ Earplugs, Version 2 (CAEv2) it sold to the military.
3M has already paid to settle claims with the Department of Justice over defective CAEv2 earplugs.
What Was Wrong With the 3M Combat Earplugs?
A whistleblower lawsuit revealed that the earplugs failed safety testing in 2000 and that 3M was aware of the design defect and its potential to harm users but continued to sell CAEv2s to the U.S. military.
The design flaw caused the earplugs to loosen imperceptibly in the ear canal, allowing damaging sounds to enter the ear and cause permanent hearing damage.
Key Facts About the Defective Earplugs
- Failed safety testing as early as 2000
- 3M knew about the defect but continued selling to the military
- The dual-ended fitting tip was too short to properly seal the ear canal
- Standard issue for combat troops from 2003-2015
- Used by hundreds of thousands of service members
Who Qualifies for the 3M Earplug Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a claim and receive compensation if you meet the following criteria:
- Served in the U.S. military between 2003 and 2015
- Were deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, or other combat zones
- Used the 3M Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs (CAEv2)
- Now suffer from hearing loss, tinnitus, or other hearing problems
- Have medical documentation of your hearing condition
If you have used the CAEv2 earplugs during deployment in Afghanistan or Iraq between 2003 and 2015, we urge you to have your hearing assessed and seek legal representation immediately.
Common Symptoms and Injuries
Veterans affected by the defective 3M earplugs commonly experience a range of hearing-related symptoms and conditions, including:
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is characterized by a persistent ringing, buzzing, or whistling sound in the ears. This condition can be extremely disruptive to daily life, affecting sleep, concentration, and overall quality of life.
Hearing Loss
Partial or complete hearing loss is one of the most common injuries reported by veterans who used the defective earplugs. This can range from difficulty hearing conversations to profound deafness.
Other Auditory Conditions
In addition to tinnitus and hearing loss, some veterans experience balance problems, sensitivity to loud noises (hyperacusis), and difficulty understanding speech.
What Compensation Is Available?
Veterans who file successful claims against 3M may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future hearing treatments)
- Hearing aids and assistive devices
- Lost wages if hearing damage affected your ability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Punitive damages (in some cases)
How Greensboro Law Center Can Help
At Greensboro Law Center, we proudly represent men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. We believe that our military servicemembers and veterans deserve the best.
We are a group of highly skilled, compassionate attorneys, and we know what it takes to help our valued military clients get fair compensation for their injuries.
- Free, no-obligation case evaluation
- No attorney fees unless we win your case
- Decades of combined trial experience
- Personalized attention to every client
- Experienced in military and veteran claims
Get Your Free Case Evaluation Today
Don’t wait—time limits may apply to your claim.