98 Suits Now Link Faulty 3M Earplugs to Hearing Loss, Vet Says

A total of 98 suits now link alleged defects in 3M Co.‘s combat earplugs to hearing loss in U.S. military members, one allegedly injured veteran pushing to have the suits consolidated told a federal panel.

Christian Werthmuller told the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation Feb. 13 the suits should be assigned to a federal judge in California rather than in Minnesota where 3M is based.

California is the better venue for veterans’ allegations that dual-ended Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2 didn’t adequately protect their hearing while in combat or weapons training, Werthmuller said.

The U.S. military has more than ...