Helping Veterans with Service-Related Tinnitus
Some of the earplugs used by the military have turned out to be defective and didn’t provide the protection they promised. One specific earplug was the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2, or CAEv2. This defect has lead to serious hearing impairment, tinnitus, and even hearing loss in those to whom they were issued.
The issue with these dual-ended earplugs was that a fault in their design lead to the seal breaking meaning the plugs would imperceptibly loosen and allow sound through. Thousands of service members were issued and used these earplugs between the ears of 2003 and 2015 exposing them to the associated risks.
3M paid a $9.1 million settlement in July of 2018 to the DOJ in a whistleblower earplug defects lawsuit. The suit alleged 3M officials were aware of earplug defects as far back as 2000. The company falsified test results and then knowingly sold millions of pairs of defective earplugs to the U.S. Department of Defense. For more than a decade beginning in 2003, 3M continued to sell earplugs they knew were defective to the DOD. By 2015, when the U.S. military stopped using 3M’s Combat Arms Earplugs, more than 1 million veterans were receiving benefits for hearing loss; over 1.4 million more veterans suffered from tinnitus possibly due to the defective earplugs.
The 3M recall cost the U.S. nearly $100 million dollars. The manufacturing defect was likely caused by silica gel materials, meant to help keep the earplugs warm during use. Silica gel is a mineral used in adhesives, sealants, and catalysts. Instead of being used in earplugs, it was placed in an unapproved, unconsented place — the ear. In a well-planned and executed criminal investigation, it took the FBI years to prove the company knew about the problem yet knowingly misled federal and state regulators and the public.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a condition characterized by the perception of noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound is present. It often manifests as a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound and is commonly linked to damage in the inner ear caused by loud noises and noise exposure.
Earplugs are a common tool used to protect the ears from loud noises. When functioning properly, they can help prevent tinnitus and other hearing issues.
Defective Earplugs and Their Effects on Veterans
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, tinnitus is the most common disability among veterans. Unfortunately, many veterans have been provided with defective earplugs which contributed to veterans hearing loss and tinnitus.
Are you a Veteran with Hearing Loss?
If you served during the years that the 3M earplugs were in use then you should contact a VA accredited attorney at Chad Barr Law as we have experience in handling denied hearing loss or tinnitus VA claims.
Whatever question you may have, we are here to answer them and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. We know what it takes to see these cases through and get the benefits you are owed.
Denied Your Tinnitus Claim?
Read our blog on How is a VA Claim for Tinnitus Denied?
Chad Barr Law Fights for Veterans Benefits
If your claim has been denied or if you believe you have been rated lower than warranted for your condition, it is important not to lose hope. Chad Barr Law has a proven track record of assisting veterans with their disability appeals for many years. Allow our experience to help you secure the VA benefits to which you are entitled.
For immediate assistance, please call 888-2-VETLAW or complete our complimentary case evaluation form below.
