Product Liability · 3M Combat Arms Earplugs
3M Combat Arms Earplugs
3M Combat Arms earplugs — litigation and settlement background
3M Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2 (CAEv2) were issued to U.S. service members between roughly 2003 and 2015 as protection against combat noise. Plaintiffs alleged that the earplugs could loosen and fail to maintain the intended seal, exposing wearers to noise. In August 2023, 3M announced a $6.01 billion global settlement resolving the vast majority of claims. Existing claim records and settlement communications are important for individual review.
Background
What this litigation is about.
The Combat Arms Earplug Version 2 (CAEv2) was originally designed by Aearo Technologies (later acquired by 3M). It was a dual-ended plug intended to give service members a choice between blocking all noise or filtering out combat impulse noise while still allowing them to hear commands.
Plaintiffs alleged that the earplugs' stem was too short to maintain a proper seal in many wearers' ear canals — and that internal testing showed this, but the product was sold to the U.S. military anyway without a warning to fold back the opposing flanges. Service members reported hearing loss and tinnitus after using them in training and combat.
MDL 2885, based in the Northern District of Florida before Judge M. Casey Rodgers, became one of the largest mass torts in U.S. history — with roughly 260,000 cases at its peak. After a series of bellwether trials that produced a mix of verdicts (many for plaintiffs), 3M and its Aearo subsidiary announced a $6.01 billion global settlement on August 29, 2023, resolving substantially all Combat Arms claims. Deadlines to participate have largely passed.
Reported injuries
Reported concerns and potential losses.
Hearing loss
Partial or full loss of hearing tied to unprotected exposure to combat or training noise.
Tinnitus
Persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears.
Hyperacusis
Painful sensitivity to normal sound levels.
Balance disorders
Vestibular symptoms sometimes reported alongside auditory injury.
Individual review
Facts that may be relevant.
You served in the U.S. military between roughly 2003 and 2015.
You were issued or used 3M Combat Arms Version 2 (dual-ended, yellow/olive) earplugs.
You were later diagnosed with hearing loss or tinnitus tied to service.
Note: the global settlement's participation deadlines have largely passed; new-claim options are limited.
Organize service and hearing records
A record checklist is not confirmation of settlement eligibility or an available filing route. Existing claimants should retain notices from their counsel or the settlement administrator.
- Locate service dates, assignments, training records, and any documentation identifying the earplug model.
- Compare available baseline and later audiograms; keep hearing-aid and tinnitus treatment records.
- Retain claim identifiers, submission confirmations, and administrator correspondence.
- Record other occupational or recreational noise exposure for a complete history.
Key events
A timeline of what has happened so far.
1999–2015
3M/Aearo sells Combat Arms Earplug Version 2 to the U.S. military.
2016
Whistleblower qui tam action filed alleging 3M knew of the design defect.
2018
3M settles the qui tam claim with the federal government for $9.1 million (no admission of liability).
Apr 2019
JPML consolidates federal Combat Arms cases as MDL 2885 in the Northern District of Florida.
2021–2023
Bellwether trials produce a series of verdicts; the docket grows to roughly 260,000 cases.
Aug 29, 2023
3M announces a $6.01 billion global settlement to resolve substantially all Combat Arms claims.
2024–2025
Settlement administration and payouts to enrolled claimants.
This page provides background for service members and families. It does not confirm eligibility for any settlement or new claim.
Frequently asked
Questions answered plainly.
This page is for general information only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Case statuses, MDL orders, and settlement terms change; call our office for a current review of your specific situation.
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