3M DEFECTIVE EARPLUGS ATTORNEYS IN TROY, MICHIGAN
Oliver Law Group, P.C. Represents Injured Veterans in Troy, MI
From 2003 to 2015, 3M supplied the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines with earplugs. Although the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs were allegedly designed to protect military personnel from hearing loss and other injuries that can result from exposure to loud noises, a defect in the earplugs rendered them ineffective. The defect left many veterans of the War in Afghanistan and The Iraq War with injuries after their time in service.
If you served in the United States military between the years of 2003 and 2015 and suffered from injuries due to your use of defective 3M earplugs, contact Oliver Law Group P.C. Call us or send us a message to schedule a free initial consultation!
How Were the 3M Earplugs Defective?
The defective 3M Combat Arms Earplugs were too small to fully protect the ear. This manufacturing flaw made them too short to be completely inserted in the inner ear, subjecting military personnel to loud sounds. Additionally, the earplugs could potentially loosen and fall out of the ear because they were not fully inserted.
What Injuries Did Use of 3M Defective Earplugs Cause?
Members of the military are exposed to very loud noises during their service. Without the proper equipment, these sounds can severely injure the ears and affect their functionality.
What are the results of using defective, inadequate earplugs in endless combat situations overseas?
Tinnitus: Intermittent or continuous ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, or roaring in the ears. This can be present in one or both ears and is considered a “phantom” noise, varying in pitch and tone and interfering in your ability to hear external sound or concentrate. This can result in depression, anxiety, or continued frustration as it is incessant and distracting.
Hearing loss: Complete or partial hearing loss because of combat fire exposure may present as difficulty understanding words, muffled speech or muffled hearing, trouble hearing consonants, frequently asking others to speak slowly and more pronounced, and needing to turn up the volume on the radio or television. This can result in avoidance of social situations, withdrawal from conversation, isolation, and depression as the issues worsen.
Loss of Balance: When the inner ear is not functioning correctly due to damage, the brain receives nerve impulses that are not balanced equally, resulting in the perception of distorted information. The brain then sends messages to the eyes causing them to dart back and forth, giving the body the feeling of spinning.
Did 3M Know Their Earplugs Were Defective?
3M bought Aero Technologies, the original military supplier of the earplugs, in 2008. Both companies were negligent in their testing of the earplugs, which revealed in some studies that the fit of the earplugs was not protective, and their noise reduction levels were not acceptable for the military.
How Can Oliver Law Group P.C. Help?
Our Troy 3M defective earplugs attorneys are available to discuss your options if you used 3M Combat Arms Earplugs and developed hearing loss or other injuries during your time in the military. We serve clients around the country.
Contact us online or call to request a free case evaluation.