If you’ve experienced health complications due to 3M’s Combat Earplugs, you may be eligible for compensation. Many veterans and military service members have filed lawsuits against 3M’s Combat Earplugs, claiming that these earplugs were defective and led to hearing loss.
What Are Combat Earplugs?
Manufactured by 3M, Combat Earplugs were created to protect military workers from hearing damage in loud environments they would encounter on the job. With these earplugs, military personnel could ideally listen to commands and other low-level sounds while simultaneously blocking out harmful noises, like explosions. 
Alleged Defects and Complications
Unfortunately, lawsuits claim that 3M’s Combat Earplugs had design flaws that led to hearing loss, tinnitus, and other ear conditions. Here are a few of the most commonly reported issues:
- Improper fit, causing the earplugs to loosen over time.
- Inadequate protection from harmful noise levels.
- Failure to alert users of these risks, even though 3M was aware of the defects.
Because of these issues, many veterans have suffered from long-term hearing damage that required expensive medical treatment while also negatively impacting their quality of life.
Current Status of Combat Earplugs Litigation
As of 2024, thousands of veterans and military service members have filed lawsuits against 3M, leading to a large class action lawsuit. Courts have consolidated these lawsuits into multidistrict litigation (also known as MDL) to streamline pretrial proceedings.
In 2024, 3M reached a settlement, which included $5 billion in cash and $1 billion in stocks, expected to be paid out through 2029.
Qualifying for a Combat Earplugs Lawsuit
To qualify in a lawsuit against 3M’s Combat Earplugs, veterans and military service personnel are required to meet the following criteria:
- You must have used 3M Combat Earplugs during military service (between 2003 and 2015).
- You must have a history of documented hearing loss, tinnitus, or other related injuries due to Combat Earplugs.
Be sure to contact legal counsel to determine your eligibility and initiate the claim process. Various factors impact eligibility and all cases are unique.
Potential Compensation in Combat Earplugs Lawsuits
If you are successful in a lawsuit against Combat Earplugs, you may be entitled to compensation, including:
- Medical expenses for hearing-related treatments.
- Lost wages because of a hearing impairment impacting employment.
- Compensation for pain and suffering caused by hearing damage.
Your compensation will depend on the severity of the hearing loss and the particular circumstances of each case. As of 2024, 3M has paid victims at least $1.3 billion.
What to Do if You Suspect a Combat Earplug Injury
If you think 3M’s Combat Earplugs have negatively impacted your hearing, get medical attention immediately. Gather all applicable medical records documenting your hearing complications, earplug use, and military service. Then, consult expert legal counsel to explore your options for joining the lawsuit and seeking compensation.
Don’t Wait to Act
With many Combat Earplugs lawsuits pending in 2024, acting quickly can protect your legal rights – and delaying action could affect your ability to receive compensation.
Contact OCA today to discuss your situation and learn more about your Combat Earplug lawsuit eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A class action is a kind of lawsuit in which one or more parties file a claim on behalf of a larger group of people collectively referred to as the class. When the complaints or losses are shared by the entire class and it would be impractical to file dozens or hundreds of separate lawsuits, this legal action is taken.
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