Between 2003 and 2015, 3M Corporation supplied the U.S. military its Combat Arms dual-ended earplugs, knowing the earplugs could loosen and fail to prevent hearing damage.

Defective Earplugs Fail to Prevent Hearing Loss

3M, a Minneapolis-based manufacturer, supplied the defectively designed CAEv2 earplugs to our U.S. military for more than a decade. Not only did 3M sell these earplugs, but the corporation also was well aware of the product defect yet distributed the earplugs anyway. The earplugs were advertised as designed to reduce intense noise such as gunfire or explosions while allowing military to hear lower-level sounds, such as nearby voices.

Veterans, after using the earplugs, have reported multiple side effects. The side effects include hearing loss, ringing in the ears (or tinnitus) and permanent hearing damage. Others report complete hearing loss, or deafness.

A Settlement With 3M is Reached

In July 2018, 3M agreed to pay $9.1 million in a False Claims Act lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed by the government, alleged that 3M failed to disclose its knowledge about the faulty earplugs. Last year, the Department of Justice released a statement regarding the multi-million dollar settlement. In it, the Office of Public Affairs makes it known it will stand to protect our military against fraudulent conduct. “Government contractors who seek to profit at the expense of our military will face appropriate consequences,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler.

It is so upsetting to learn such a large corporation is willing to put profits before our own servicemen and women. Did you or someone you love experience hearing loss while serving our country in the military? If they used 3M Combat Arms Earplugs, he or she could be titled to financial compensation for the hearing damage caused. Contact The Ruth Law Team. For more than 35 years, our attorneys have represented those whose lives have been altered due to a person or corporation’s negligence. There are no fees or costs unless you win, so call (888) 783-8378 today.