For soldiers in the field, earplugs are just as essential protection as helmets and eyewear. Hearing loss and tinnitus are the most common service-connected disabilities among US Veterans, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Tinnitus presents as noises in the head, usually a buzzing or ringing sound in one or both ears, and has no proven cure. As of 2014, 1.3 million US veterans were receiving compensation for tinnitus.
Tinnitus can be caused by continuous exposure to loud noises such as gunfire or aircraft, or a single exposure to an incredibly loud sound like a large explosion. It varies in type and intensity – some people describe hearing high-frequency whistling while others experience a buzzing sound. Some individuals hear a thumping sound in their head at the same rhythm as their heartbeat, known as pulsating tinnitus.
Gabriel Thompson, a 26-year-old veteran of the US Marine Corps, filed a lawsuit against 3M due to the tinnitus and hearing loss he developed after using 3M earplugs during his training at the firing range. He stated that “the idea of having to wear hearing aids before I’m 40 is kinda ridiculous. When you’re given hardware and the military pays for it, you assume it’s the best of the best.”
Members of our military were issued these 3M earplugs, expecting them to be reliable protection. But these earplugs were rendered useless, as they didn’t create the seal needed to block noise.
How we can help you
If you or someone you love served in the US Military and suffered tinnitus or other hearing damage after using 3M’s Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs (CAEv2), you may be eligible for compensation. Our experienced attorneys at Kwartler Manus, LLC have dealt with many mass tort cases and can guide you through the complexities of filing.
You may be eligible to join the 3M earplug lawsuit if you:
- Served in the U.S. military any time from 2003 – 2015
- Used 3M’s Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs (CAEv2) during that time
- Suffer from hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
The defective 3M earplugs were issued during combat training and in the following combat zones:
- Afghanistan
- Iraq
- Libya
- Pakistan
- Somalia
- The Indian Ocean
If you or a loved one have developed hearing damage such as tinnitus after wearing 3M earplugs in the above situations, contact us today online or by phone at (267) 457-5570.