3M Earplug

3M Earplug Lawsuit Attorneys

Representing Service Members Who Lost Their Hearing

The Farmer & Klopfer and our mass tort lawyers are currently hearing from veterans and active-duty members of the United States Armed Forces who have suffered from hearing loss after using the defective 3M Combat Arms Earplugs. The earplugs, which are dual-ended and are colored yellow and dark green, have been shown to ineffectively protect the eardrum from loud blasts and concussive forces, potentially allowing the eardrum to be ruptured even when used as instructed. A mass tort could help you receive compensation for your hearing loss.

If you served in the U.S. military between 2003 and 2015, and you were issued the 3M earplugs as described above, then our attorneys would be honored to hear from you. We can help determine if you have a claim to file against 3M.

About the 3M Lawsuit

3M was contracted by the U.S. military to provide earplugs to service members in various divisions and specifically to be used while in active combat. The idea behind the dual-ended design of the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs is that explosive blasts and gunfire would be blocked while the service member could still hear orders that were being shouted by a commanding officer or another soldier. This design seems fine on paper, but, in practicality, the design was not suited to not prevent hearing damage from loud blasts in combat. To make the situation worse, 3M did not notify the Armed Forces that some of the earplugs were defective, despite there being reasons to believe that they were.

How Do the Plugs Cause Harm?

The dual-ended, symmetrical shape of the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs is the source of the design and manufacturing error. When used even as directed, the uniquely shaped earplugs could easily come loose, especially when being jostled around by a service member on the move. Because the earplugs are meant to be used in combat, there were essentially no safe times to try to adjust them once they loosened. Potentially hundreds or thousands of service members have suffered hearing loss while using these earplugs because of this faulty design.

Types of hearing damage suffered by U.S. service members due to the defective earplugs:

  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
  • Conductive hearing loss
  • Sensorineural hearing loss
  • Mixed hearing loss

Call (301) 265-2220 or contact us online now to learn more.

How Can I File a 3M Earplugs Lawsuit?

You might be eligible to file a 3M earplugs lawsuit if you meet these criteria:

  • Served with the U.S. military between 2003 and 2015; and
  • Diagnosed with tinnitus or hearing loss around the time of your discharge; or
  • Experienced hearing impairment recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Do you meet these requirements to file a 3M earplugs lawsuit, or are you not sure if your case matches the right profile? Get all the answers and legal guidance you need by calling Farmer & Klopfer at (301) 265-2220 today. We would be honored to get the chance to help a brave U.S. service member like yourself seek compensation and justice.

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3M Earplug Lawsuit FAQ

  • Who can file a claim against 3M for hearing loss? 
    Any current or former service member of the U.S. Armed Forces who used the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs and has since been diagnosed with hearing loss or ear damage can file a claim.
  • How can a lawyer help you file your claim? 
    Our attorneys can help evaluate your case to see if your hearing loss and service with the U.S. military make you eligible to file a claim. If you are, then we can provide counsel and assistance for you to take the next step, which might involve participating in a mass tort case against 3M.

Can you still file a 3M earplug lawsuit if you’re already getting veteran’s disability payments for your hearing loss? 
Yes, you can file a lawsuit and get compensation through it while also getting veteran’s disability benefits for your hearing loss. The lawsuit is entirely separate from any government programs or proceedings, so you are not disqualified for already getting disability benefits.


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