Military to Share Records Related to Hearing Loss Allegedly Caused by 3M Earplugs

The Department of Defense and other governmental entities will produce information relating to the hearing loss records of its employees for use in the 3M Combat Arms earplug litigation. Disclosure of such records and other information critical to the plaintiffs’ claims are governed by the Privacy Act, which allows government agencies to release records under Court Order. 

Between 2002 and 2015, 3M was under contract with the U.S. government to provide its Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplugs to protect service members from hearing loss associated with military training and operations. Plaintiffs in the 3M earplug lawsuit allege that the earplug loosened in the ear canal, rendering the product ineffective and potentially leading to permanent hearing damage, such as hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ear).

To date, close to 1,000 U.S. veterans have filed lawsuits alleging that 3M knew about a design defect in the product, but failed to correct it. Moreover, 3M continued to sell the product to the U.S. military by the thousands.

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 by submitting the form or by calling us at (888) 984-7988 for a confidential evaluation of your potential claim.