3M Combat Arms earplugs are a type of hearing protection designed to protect military personnel from loud blasts and gunfire. Unfortunately, these earplugs have been linked to serious hearing loss and tinnitus in thousands of service members over the years. In May 2018, 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that the company had knowingly sold defective earplugs to the US military. If you or a loved one served in the military and were exposed to loud noises, then you may be eligible to file a 3M Combat Arms earplug lawsuit. In this article, we’ll discuss what you need to know about the 3M Combat Arms earplugs and the related lawsuits.

What Are 3M Combat Arms Earplugs?

3M Combat Arms earplugs were designed to provide hearing protection for military personnel. They were developed by Aearo Technologies, which was acquired by 3M in 2008. The earplugs were sold to the US military from 2003 to 2015 and were used by millions of service members.

The earplugs, which are dual-ended, feature a green end that is designed to block all sound and a yellow end that is designed to allow low-level sounds, such as voices, to be heard. The earplugs were marketed as providing “selective hearing protection” that would allow soldiers to clearly hear commands from their superiors and other important sounds.

What Are the Allegations Against 3M?

The allegations against 3M are that the company knowingly sold defective earplugs to the US military. Specifically, the earplugs were allegedly too short to be properly inserted into the ear and did not form an adequate seal. As a result, the earplugs could slip out of the ear, allowing loud noises to enter the ear canal and damage the wearer’s hearing.

In addition, the earplugs were allegedly too stiff to conform to the shape of the ear, which also led to a poor fit and inadequate protection. As a result, thousands of service members may have suffered hearing loss or tinnitus due to their use of the earplugs.

What Are the Symptoms of Hearing Loss and Tinnitus?

Hearing loss is a condition that can cause a person to have difficulty hearing certain frequencies. Common symptoms of hearing loss include difficulty hearing conversations, a ringing or buzzing in the ears, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears.

Tinnitus is a condition that causes a person to hear ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in their ears even when there is no external sound present. Tinnitus is often described as a ringing or buzzing in the ears, but it can also be experienced as a roaring, hissing, clicking, or humming sound. It can be a symptom of hearing loss and can also be caused by exposure to loud noises.

What Should I Do if I Think I Have Hearing Loss or Tinnitus?

If you think you have hearing loss or tinnitus, then the first thing you should do is make an appointment with an audiologist. An audiologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating hearing disorders. They will be able to perform a hearing test to determine if you have any hearing impairment. If your hearing test results indicate that you have hearing loss or tinnitus, then the audiologist will likely recommend hearing aids or other treatments to help improve your hearing.

What Are the 3M Combat Arms Earplug Lawsuits?

The 3M Combat Arms earplug lawsuits are a series of lawsuits filed by former military personnel who suffered hearing loss or tinnitus due to their use of the 3M earplugs. The lawsuits allege that 3M knew about the defects in the earplugs and knowingly sold them to the US military without disclosing the risks to the wearers.

In May 2018, 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million to settle the lawsuits. Under the terms of the settlement, 3M did not admit any wrongdoing or liability, but the company did agree to pay $9.1 million to compensate service members who suffered hearing loss or tinnitus due to their use of the 3M earplugs.

Who Is Eligible to File a 3M Combat Arms Earplug Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one served in the military and used 3M Combat Arms earplugs between 2003 and 2015, then you may be eligible to file a 3M Combat Arms earplug lawsuit. In order to be eligible, you must have suffered hearing loss or tinnitus due to the use of the earplugs. If you think you may be eligible, then you should speak to an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options.

How Do I File a 3M Combat Arms Earplug Lawsuit?

If you think you may be eligible to file a 3M Combat Arms earplug lawsuit, then the first thing you should do is contact an experienced attorney who specializes in product liability cases. An attorney will be able to review your case and determine if you have a valid claim. If you do, then the attorney will be able to help you file a lawsuit against 3M and seek compensation for your losses.

Conclusion

If you or a loved one served in the military and were exposed to loud noises, then you may be eligible to file a 3M Combat Arms earplug lawsuit. The earplugs were designed to provide hearing protection for military personnel, but they have been linked to hearing loss and tinnitus in thousands of service members over the years. In May 2018, 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that the company had knowingly sold defective earplugs to the US military. If you think you may be eligible to file a 3M Combat Arms earplug lawsuit, then you should contact an experienced attorney to discuss your legal options.