From 2003–2015, countless active duty service members and veterans have suffered from significant and permanent hearing loss and/or tinnitus, better known as the perception of noise or ringing in the ears, due to using “standard issue” combat earplugs while serving in our nation’s armed forces. The ones in question — 3M Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2 or CAEv2 — landed 3M a lucrative and exclusive U.S. military contract due to its product’s supposed advanced design.
It’s estimated that the United States Department of Defense purchased enough 3M Combat Arms Earplugs to outfit all of our troops deployed in major foreign engagements from 2003 through 2015.
They are small, colored, dual-ended earplugs designed with the specific purpose of providing our soldiers with a single set capable of providing two options for sound protection, depending on how they are used. One end is “closed” and designed to block sounds out completely. The other end is “open” and intended to dampen sounds (gunfire, explosions, etc.) on the battlefield, while still allowing audible communication between the wearers.
It was marketed as a highly functional solution to protect the hearing of soldiers. Unfortunately, there was a design defect which caused them to lose their seal within the ear, allowing harmful noises to affect the user. As a result, many personnel suffered injuries, including unilateral and bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The product has since been discontinued, and the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs have been called a defective product. The manufacturer has already paid millions of dollars in a settlement to the U.S. government for falsifying test results and knowingly putting our honorable service members at risk.
If you are an active or veteran military service member who was injured as a result of using the 3M Combat Arms Ear Plugs (CAEv2) during the years 2003–2015, we’re here to help. Don’t battle 3M alone. These cases are handled on a contingency basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless there is a court award or settlement. In fact, we’ll even obtain your medical records. Our law firm will work with you every step of the way to try and obtain the compensation that is deserved. For a free, no-obligation case evaluation, contact us at (866) BAD RXRX, (866) I SUE YOU, (954) 998-0075 Text.