3M’s Dual-Ended Combat Arms™ Earplugs were used by the military from 2003-2015 during combat and training exercises. The unique design of the device allowed for two different levels of noise protection - Open/Weapons Fire mode and Closed/Constant Protection mode. These earplugs are easily identifiable by their half green, half yellow coloring.
It is alleged by the government that the 3M Dual-Ended Combat Arms™ Earplugs, Version 2 (CAEv2) did not meet the noise reduction rating (NRR) that 3M claimed. Due to the alleged faulty nature of the ear plugs, service men and women were exposed to higher levels of damaging noise than the device was supposed to allow. Dangerous noise levels can cause permanent damage to the human ear resulting in tinnitus and partial or total hearing loss.
We are currently investigating reports of hearing damage suffered by active and retired military personnel due to the possible faulty nature of standard issue Combat Arms™ Earplugs, Version 2. From 2013-2015, the now-discontinued CAEv2 was issued to thousands of servicemen and servicewomen for hearing protection. If you or a loved one has suffered partial or total hearing loss or suffer from tinnitus caused during time in the U.S. military, we would like to speak with you.