Military members who served in Afghanistan and Iran between 2003 and 2015 are more likely to experience hearing loss from the use of 3M Combat Arms™ earplugs. Due to a growing number of complaints, military members and veterans filed suit against 3M, alleging the company and subsidiary Aearo Technologies knowingly provided a defective product.
While 3M paid $9.1 million to settle a whistleblower lawsuit filed by competitor Moldex-Metric, claims continue to mount against 3M and Aearo Technologies. In January 2022, two U.S. Army veterans who suffered hearing damage after wearing 3M earplugs in combat were awarded $110 million, the largest verdict yet.
About 3M Combat Arms™ Earplugs
Service members were provided the dual-sided 3M Combat Arms™ earplugs, originally developed by Aearo Technologies through an exclusive military contract. 3M took over the company and contract in 2008, once the earplugs had been supplied to service members for the past five years.
In the early 2000s, Aearo claimed to have developed an innovative design. The olive side of the earplugs supposedly blocked out all sounds from artillery and explosions and the yellow side allowed soldiers to continue hearing spoken voices.
Along with complaints from soldiers and veterans, company Moldex-Metric filed a lawsuit against 3M and Aearo in 2016, alleging both entities knowingly sold defective earplugs to the U.S. military. The stem’s design was specifically cited, which was too short to snugly fit into the ear canal and caused the plug to move around during wear.
As a result, thousands of service members did not receive the proper level of hearing protection promised and became susceptible to hearing loss and tinnitus.
Moldex-Metric further alleged Aearo knew of this development back in 2000 but still sold the earplugs to the military. Testing was not conducted by a third party and involved folding over the flanges to prevent the earplugs from loosening. This allowed the product to meet the Noise Reduction Rating requirement (NRR) needed for military-grade products.
Not only did the earplugs fall short of NRR requirements, but may have amplified the sounds soldiers heard while using firearms or in battle. This modification was never mentioned in directions given to the troops.
What are the long-term effects of using 3M military earplugs?
Hearing Loss
Human ears have stereocilia, which help the brain understand sound by translating pressure into electrical nerve impulses. The most significant side effect of wearing 3M earplugs in combat is hearing loss, along with related balance issues and tinnitus.
Based on research from the Department of Veterans Affairs, soldiers who fought in conflicts after Sept. 11, 2001 are four times more likely to develop hearing problems. Soldiers are repeatedly exposed to the sound of firearms at an average of 150 decibels. Without proper hearing protection, this can permanently damage the stereocilia. These fibers do not regrow and hearing loss results.
Hearing loss for service members has a two-fold effect: They cannot properly perform their duties and once discharged, it can severely affect quality of life. Soldiers who are not given proper hearing protection are further at risk for:
- Ruptured eardrums
- Gradual hearing deterioration that muffles or distorts sound quality
- Buzzing, ringing or a roaring noise that never goes away
- Challenges hearing nearby sounds, including phone and in-person conversations
- Sensitivity or pain in response to certain sounds
- An inability to hear certain high-pitched frequencies
Someone with combat-related hearing loss may have to turn up the TV or phone volume to hear, ask others to repeat themselves or speak up and may be unable to have meaningful conversations at home or work. Soldiers given 3M military earplugs may have experienced:
- Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Permanently affects the inner ear and auditory nerve
- Conductive Hearing Loss: Permanently damages the eardrum and middle ear
Tinnitus
A type of auditory processing disorder, people with tinnitus hear a buzzing or ringing that doesn’t go away. Long term, this condition can affect quality of life, including the ability to concentrate, sleep, hold a job and socialize.
Tinnitus can develop after exposure to repeat blasts and explosions. Along with constant ringing and buzzing, tinnitus can manifest as:
- Regular high-pitched whistling noises
- A hissing noise that doesn’t go away
- An inability to understand speech
A person with tinnitus may be able to pass a hearing test but the effects of constant ear ringing can lead to depression, anxiety, irritability, pain and mood swings.
According to a survey from the American Tinnitus Association, roughly 40 percent of people with tinnitus can function normally. The remaining 60 percent experience issues like social isolation, sleep disturbances and trouble concentrating. The estimated economic impact is $30,000 a person each year.
Military service members make the ultimate sacrifice for our country and deserve access to reliable gear during wartime. Were you given 3M Combat Arms™ earplugs between 2003 and 2015, only to experience hearing loss or tinnitus? To pursue a claim, contact us today.
