In 2016, a whistleblower lawsuit was filed against 3M by a competing earplug manufacturer, Moldex Metric Inc. Why Are People Filing Lawsuits Against 3M? Veterans with noise-induced hearing injury also had higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as their hearing conditions served as a constant and inescapable reminder of combat. According to the Hearing Health Foundation, 72 percent of veterans with tinnitus also suffered from anxiety, while 60 percent had symptoms of depression, and as many as 58 percent had both conditions. Hearing disorders do not just deprive veterans of their ability to hear clearly they also have an adverse effect on mental health. Tinnitus may become less pronounced over time, or it may persist throughout the veteran’s life, affecting his or her ability to do a job effectively. Soldiers impacted by improvised explosives, rocket-propelled grenades, or mortar rounds commonly experience a ringing in the ears after the explosion known as tinnitus. High intensity or impulse noise (such as roadside bombs, small arms, or heavy artillery) can cause damage to the hairs and nerves of the inner ear, resulting in total or partial deafness.

Without proper ear protection, service members may suffer a variety of conditions including: Even the daily increased noise levels from target practice and aircraft flying overhead can increase the risk of hearing loss in soldiers and can have a profound effect on mental and physical health.

Loud noises commonly occur in combat situations, but also during extended training exercises, working near heavy vehicles and tanks, and due to an unexpected explosion of a device. Noise exposure is constant in the military, with soldiers suffering damaging noise levels nearly 24 hours a day. The Hearing Health Foundation reported over 1.16 million cases of disability compensation for hearing loss in 2017, with an additional 1.79 million veterans receiving disability benefits for tinnitus. Why Are Defective Earplugs So Hazardous to Military Personnel?Īccording to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, hearing impairments are the most common service-related disability suffered by men and women across all branches of the armed forces. military between 20, supplying an estimated 2.2 million pairs. If the open (unblocked) end-the yellow side-is inserted in the ear, the plug is supposed to significantly reduce the sounds of machinery or explosions while allowing the wearer to hear softer sounds nearby (such as spoken orders or approaching footsteps).Īlthough the Dual-Ended Combat Arms™ Earplugs (CAEv2) are now discontinued, 3M was an exclusive supplier of earplugs for the U.S. When the closed (blocked) end-the olive green side- is inserted in the ear, the device is supposed to block all sound like a traditional earplug. The dual-ended Combat Arms earplugs were touted as selective attenuation devices, giving them two different wear options in combat situations: They were standard issue in certain branches of the United States military from 2003 until they were discontinued in 2015. The purpose of these earplugs was to protect against hearing loss in war zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Aearo’s dual-sided earplugs gained the company an exclusive contract bid to supply the military with earplugs-a contract that continued after 3M acquired Aearo. The Dual-Ended Combat Arms™ Earplugs (CAEv2) were created by Aearo Technologies Inc., a company that was acquired by 3M in 2008. What Are Dual-Ended Combat Arms™ Earplugs?

If you are suffering from a degenerative hearing condition related to your military service between 2003-2015, please complete our questionnaire to see if you qualify to take part in the action against 3M or call us toll-free at (888) 713-5418 to learn how we may be able to help you. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines nationwide recover proper compensation due to defective earplugs manufactured by the 3M Company.

Dual ended combat arms earplugs