3M Earplug Lawsuit Sign-Up

If you’re a U.S. veteran or someone who served in the military and used 3M “Combat Arms” earplugs, this lawsuit might affect you. It deals with whether 3M sold earplugs that failed to protect hearing — and whether people who suffered hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus) because of them deserve compensation. Even if you’re not personally affected, the case shows how companies may be held responsible when safety gear fails.

Background: what is the 3M earplug lawsuit about?

What’s the claim?

The core complaint alleges that 3M, via a subsidiary (formerly Aearo Technologies), manufactured and sold a type of dual-ended earplug known as Combat Arms Earplugs, Version 2 (CAEv2) between about 1999 and 2015 (with primary use years 2003–2015). These plugs were widely issued to U.S. military personnel.

The lawsuit contends the design was defective: the plugs might loosen or fail to form a reliable seal, exposing wearers to loud noises they thought were blocked. The allegation is that 3M knew (or should have known) about these defects and yet continued selling them, exposing service members to risk of hearing damage.

Who filed it and where

• The lawsuits are mass tort / multidistrict litigation (MDL): many individual claims consolidated to a single court for efficiency.
• Plaintiffs are veterans, service members, and sometimes civilians who used the earplugs and suffered hearing problems.
• The defendants include 3M Company and previously Aearo Technologies (which 3M acquired).

In August 2023, the parties reached a $6.0 billion settlement (subject to participation levels and legal requirements) to resolve the consolidated claims.

Who’s affected — who could sign up (or already did)

Who may be eligible (or was eligible)

You might have been able to sign up if:

• You served in the U.S. military between 2003 and 2015 (some sources include a broader range).
• You were issued and used 3M Combat Arms Earplugs (dual-ended version) while serving.
• You have been diagnosed with hearing loss (partial or total) or tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or hissing in one or both ears).
• In some cases, civilians or non-military users may qualify (e.g. law enforcement, shooters) if they used the same defective plugs and suffered injury.

Who may not be eligible or too late

• If you never used the dual-ended earplug model in question, you likely don’t qualify.
• If your hearing problems are from causes unrelated to loud noise exposure (or no proof connects them to using the earplugs), your claim may be denied.
• Some legal firms now say they are no longer accepting new cases in this litigation.
• The official “sign-up period” for the settlement program may have expired for many, so new entrants might be limited.

If you think you qualify, the best step is to contact a law firm experienced in these claims to check deadlines and eligibility.

Timeline: key events at a glance

• 2018 – U.S. government fines 3M $9.1 million under the False Claims Act for selling defective earplugs to the military (without admitting liability).
• 2019 – Many veteran plaintiffs begin filing individual lawsuits, which are later consolidated into MDL (Multidistrict Litigation).
• 2023 (August 28–29) – Parties reach Master Settlement Agreement to resolve claims for up to $6 billion, subject to conditions.
• 2023 onward (through 2029) – Settlement payments planned in stages; claims must be validated, documentation processed.
• 2024+ – Payments begin to eligible claimants; legal and administrative review continues.

What’s at stake

Money & damages

If your claim is approved, compensation may include:

• Costs of medical care (past and future) for hearing damage
• Hearing aids, assistive devices, therapy
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life (when hearing loss impacts everyday activities)

The settlement fund (up to $6 billion) is meant to cover these claims among all qualified participants.

Health & quality of life

Hearing loss and tinnitus can be disabling:

• Ringing or buzzing (tinnitus) can disrupt sleep, concentration, mental health.
• Partial or full hearing loss makes communication harder, isolates socially.
• Some may develop related issues like balance problems or stress from hearing damage.

So, this isn’t just money — it’s about recognizing harm and helping people restore dignity, functioning, and access to care.

What to watch next (case update, deadlines, settlement status)

• Settlement validation and claim review: Even though the agreement was struck in 2023, each claimant’s materials (medical records, service records) must be reviewed.
• Payment disbursements: The settlement plan schedules payments through 2029, depending on participation and claim processing.
• Claims portal / administrator oversight: The official settlement program uses a portal (run by BrownGreer) to manage claims.
• Legal fees & holdbacks: A portion of the settlement is held back to pay law firms and administrative costs; how much ends up with claimants depends on final allocations.
• Deadline or cutoffs: New entrants or late signups may be barred. Some law firms now say they are no longer accepting new cases under this settlement.
• Appeals or objections: Some may contest the settlement terms or push for adjustments.
• Residual claims: Even after main funding, unresolved or disputed claims might require further legal work.

If you believe you were eligible, act soon — deadlines or procedural bars may apply.

FAQs (simple answers)

Am I eligible to sign up now?
Possibly — if you meet the criteria (served when the defective plugs were used, used them, and have hearing damage). But many sign-up windows have closed, and not all law firms are accepting new claims. It’s best to check now with a specialized attorney.

Do I need a lawyer?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. These cases involve medical evidence, military records, procedural rules, and negotiations. Many firms work on a contingency basis (they get paid only if you win).

When will the case be decided or paid out?
The settlement was approved in 2023 but payments are planned through 2029, depending on claim review speed and participation.

If the sign-up period is over, can I still file?
Maybe. If your state law allows, you may file an individual lawsuit rather than using the settlement program. But chances are slim and legal deadlines may prohibit it.

How much money can I expect?
It depends on severity, proof, and how many others are in line. No guarantee — some awards may be modest; others, for severe hearing injury, may be higher.

What documentation do I need when signing up?
Typically:

• Military service record (dates, branch)
• Documentation showing you used the dual-ended earplugs
• Medical records diagnosing hearing loss or tinnitus
• VA disability ratings (if applicable)
• Any prior hearing tests or audiograms

A lawyer can guide you on gathering and submitting this evidence.