Ultimately, 3M settled the allegations in 2018 - but as is usual in such settlements, the company was not required to admit liability. In their complaint, Moldex-Metric claimed that 3M had fraudulently sold earplugs to the DoD that they knew to be defective for over ten years, and failed to disclose the problem. In 2016, another company, Moldex-Metric Inc., filed a whistleblower lawsuit against 3M, which acquired Aearo Technologies in 2007, under provisions of the False Claims Act. The problem alleged in lawsuits, however, is that the earplugs did not fit properly, and could slip out of place without the user being aware, exposing them to risks they thought they were protected from. Inserted one way, it was supposed to protect the user from loud, sustained noises, such as that generated by aircraft and ground vehicles while in operation worn with the other end inserted, it ostensibly provided hearing protection from sudden explosions, i.e., gunfire and explosives, while allowing the user to hear verbal communications and the sound of approaching enemies. The device featured a double-ended design. The 3M Combat Arms earplugs were originally manufactured and sold to the Defense Department by Aearo Technologies. However, news of settlements with 3M made him realize that he may have a legal claim due to his use of 3M Combat Arms earplugs. Vashon had assumed that his hearing loss and tinnitus were just a typical experience from his service in the military. I’ve been complaining to my wife that at night there’s constant ringing in my ears,” Vashon told ABC 11. Instead, tinnitus is usually a symptom of another larger condition such as noise-induced hearing loss. This is very rare and may be indicative of problems with the blood vessels, middle ear bones, or muscles around the ears.Īlthough the condition can be annoying, subjective tinnitus is usually not a serious health problem, in and of itself. Objective tinnitus is a sound that your doctor can hear when they examine your ear. This is often caused by problems in the outer, middle, or inner ear, but may be caused by problems with the nerves and the way the brain processes sounds. Subjective tinnitus is a sound in the ear that only you can hear. There are two types of tinnitus: subjective and objective.

Tinnitus is a condition involving the sensation of having your ears “ring” but has also been described as the perception of buzzing, roaring, clicking, hissing, and humming in the ears. In addition to hearing loss, Vashon reportedly suffers from tinnitus. The issue allegedly got worse with each of his subsequent deployments. Medical exams conducted before and after his deployment allegedly showed that he had lost some hearing during his first tour. If I had to, I’d sign up and do it all over again,” Vashon told ABC 11.Īlthough he is proud to have served his country, Vashon reportedly suffered from hearing damageduring his training and combat experiences. His service included one deployment to Afghanistan and three deployments to Iraq. Vashon served for 11 years in the United States Army. He and other service members claim that the 3M military protective gear was defective and its failure caused them to sustain hearing loss and other injuries. is one of the dozens of North Carolinian veterans filing a 3M Combat Arms earplugs lawsuit. A growing number of veterans from across the country claim that 3M Combat Arms earplugs are ineffective and result in hearing damage.Īrmy veteran Vashon B.

Selling combat arms account