Thousands of veterans have been diagnosed with service-connected noise-induced hearing loss from exposure to repetitive exposure to loud noises, especially at the levels of gunfire, explosions, heavy machinery. For example, a single blast or gunfire may trigger a temporary bout of tinnitus.
With extended or repeated exposure to loud noise, tinnitus symptoms can be permanent and so severe that for many, it can interfere with everyday life. Unfortunately, there is no cure for tinnitus, although certain treatments can help diminish ringing sensations.
Veterans who served in the Army may have been exposed to machinery and vehicles that emit sound well over 85 decibels, such as:
- Humvee: 90 dB
- Chinook Helicopter: 100 dB
- Abrams Tank: 115 dB
- M16 Rifle: 160 dB
- M72 LAW: 180 dB
The 3M Combat Arms Earplugs which were supposed to protect service members from loud noises during combat, were eventually found to be ineffective. As a result, a number of service members suffered from deteriorated hearing or hearing loss.
Allegations suggest that despite their awareness of the design defect and its potential to harm users, 3M continued to supply defective earplugs to our service members.
If you served in the U.S. Army between 2003 and 2015 and were issued 3M dual-ended combat earplugs and have been diagnosed with hearing loss or tinnitus, you may be eligible for compensation from two types of claims, a VA claim, and a 3M manufacturer claim.