The 3M Combat Arms Earplug litigation was the largest multi-district litigation in U.S. history — over 260,000 individual cases filed by military service members alleging hearing damage from defective earplugs. After a series of bellwether trials in the Northern District of Florida MDL that produced verdicts ranging from defense wins to over $77 million, 3M announced a $6 billion settlement in August 2023 covering approximately 240,000 claims. Payments began in 2024 and continue.

The alleged defect

3M’s Dual-Ended Combat Arms Earplug Version 2 (CAEv2) was standard-issue for U.S. military personnel from approximately 2003 through 2015. Plaintiffs alleged that the earplugs’ design (dual-ended with yellow and green ends for different noise environments) was too short for proper fit in many users, and could imperceptibly loosen during use — allowing damaging noise to reach the eardrum while the wearer believed they were protected. Plaintiffs alleged that 3M’s predecessor (Aearo Technologies) knew of the defect from internal testing.

Who qualifies

• Service in U.S. military between approximately 2003 and 2015 (when CAEv2 was standard issue)
• Documented use of Combat Arms Earplug Version 2 — usually established via military records
• Hearing loss, tinnitus, or related conditions — typically documented in VA medical records
• Filed within the claim deadline — most cases were consolidated in the MDL; new filings may still be possible in some circumstances

Settlement structure

The August 2023 settlement created a points-based matrix that assigns dollar values based on:

• Severity of hearing loss — measured in decibel loss
• Tinnitus severity — mild, moderate, severe, disabling
• Age at diagnosis
• Whether hearing aids required
• VA disability rating for hearing
• Documented service dates matching CAEv2 issuance period

Individual settlement amounts have ranged from approximately $5,000 (mild tinnitus only) to over $2 million (severe bilateral hearing loss with permanent disability rating). The vast majority of settlements have been in the $10,000-$50,000 range.

Case posture as of 2026

The MDL is in the settlement-administration phase. Most claims have been resolved. New claims are difficult to file at this point but not impossible in narrow circumstances. If you served during the CAEv2 issuance period and have documented hearing loss or tinnitus, consultation with a mass torts attorney is worthwhile to evaluate whether a claim can still be pursued.

General information. Not legal advice. Mass tort settlement amounts vary widely by case-specific facts.