British Veterans Launch Legal Action Over Alleged Faulty 3M Earplugs
Thousands of British veterans are pursuing legal action against US industrial giant 3M, alleging that faulty earplugs provided to them during their service in Afghanistan and other locations caused tinnitus and deafness. The veterans claim the ear protection, supplied by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), was defective and led to life-changing injuries.
The Allegations and 3M's Response
The 3M earplugs, specifically Combat Arms Earplugs (Version 2), were designed to protect against loud noises, such as explosions, while still allowing troops to hear spoken commands. However, the veterans allege a design flaw rendered them ineffective. This follows a previous settlement in the United States where 3M agreed to pay $6 billion to over 240,000 US veterans with similar claims. While 3M has settled these cases, it has maintained that the earplugs were safe and effective when used correctly and has not admitted liability.
Veteran Experiences and Impact
Many veterans report experiencing tinnitus and hearing loss after using the 3M earplugs. Dave Watson, a veteran who served in Afghanistan from 2007 and lost his legs and an arm in 2010, shared his experience. He stated the ringing in his ears began around 18 months ago, and he has been told he will likely need hearing aids. He highlighted the impact on his family life, stating he struggles to hear his wife and children calling him. Carol Timone, a former lance bombardier who served in Afghanistan, also reports hearing loss and describes her tinnitus as a "horrific whining or pulsing."
Legal Proceedings and Evidence
The first formal legal claim has been launched in the UK, with a "letter before action" sent to 3M on behalf of over 2,000 veterans and current military personnel. Lawyers representing the veterans cite strong evidence of a design flaw, referencing similar cases in the United States. Tom Longstaff, a partner at KP Law, stated, "We've got very strong evidence that this product was defective, [and] that it suffered from a design flaw." 3M has stated that it will defend itself in English courts. The MoD declined to comment on the case against 3M but a spokesman said the government takes the health of its serving personnel seriously.
Government and Military Response
The Ministry of Defence has paid out thousands of claims for hearing loss since 2019/2020. They maintain they take the health and wellbeing of their personnel seriously. They provide training, protective equipment and regular hearing tests to detect early signs of hearing loss. The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme provides compensation for injuries, illness, and death caused by service.
Statistics and Research
Research indicates that veterans experience hearing problems at a higher rate than the general population. A 2014 study from the Royal British Legion showed that rates of hearing problems in veterans under 75 are approximately 3.5 times higher than in the general population. A 2021 study by King's College London found that a quarter of military personnel reported difficulty hearing or tinnitus. These statistics highlight the significant impact of hearing loss on the veteran community.
