3M Earplug Litigation One of Largest U.S. Mass Torts Ever

More than 200,000 former military members have come forward with defect claims concerning 3M’s Combat Arms earplugs. The litigation has become one of the largest U.S. mass torts ever.

The soldiers who were issued these earplugs from the U.S. military have experienced hearing loss and/or tinnitus after using the devices in combat or training. The dual-ended Combat Arms plugs are designed to allow the user to filter out loud noises while maintaining the ability to hear commands when worn one way, and tune out as much noise as possible when worn the opposite way. Plaintiffs allege that the earplugs were designed defectively, as they did not fit inside the ear canal properly. “I didn’t know these earplugs were defective,” Navy veteran Kevin Wilhelm said. “I thought they were the best of the best.” Mr. Wilhelm wears hearing aids and experiences tinnitus, or ringing in the ear constantly.

Plaintiffs in the litigation claim that 3M knew their Combat Arms earplugs were defective and subject to loosening and letting in noise, but did not issue a recall. The first bellwether cases are poised for trial in April 2021.

Do You Have a 3M Earplug Lawsuit Claim?

If you or a loved one used 3M Combat Arms Earplugs during your service in the U.S. military and suffer from hearing loss or tinnitus, please contact us. You can reach our law firm by submitting an online form or by calling us at (888) 984-7988 for a confidential evaluation of your potential claim.