3M Faces Legal Action from British Soldiers Over Faulty Earplugs

Industrial conglomerate 3M (MMM) saw its shares decline following a lawsuit filed by thousands of British military personnel. The plaintiffs allege that defective ear protection supplied by the company caused permanent hearing damage during service in Afghanistan.

The litigation centers on 3M's Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2, which were standard issue for UK forces between 2003-2015. Soldiers report life-altering conditions including unilateral deafness and persistent tinnitus from what they claim was inadequate protection against battlefield noise.

Over 2,000 active and veteran service members have joined the action through a formal letter before claim. "British troops have received neither justice nor compensation for these preventable injuries," stated Tom Longstaff, a representative for the claimants.