Lawsuit Documents Show 3M Shrugged Off Concerns About Military Ear Plugs

April 30, 2025

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New documents were released in connection to lawsuits filed against 3M by 140,000 U.S. service members. The documents show that the company joked about earning lucrative margins from the Defense Department and dismissed concerns about defective products. Service members allege that 3M and a subsidiary, Aearo Technologies, deceptively marketed and sold combat-grade earplugs to the military.

The lawsuits, filed by approximately 140,000 U.S. servicemembers, allege that 3M and a subsidiary, Aearo Technologies, deceptively marketed and sold combat-grade earplugs to the military. The suit also claims Aearo Technologies designed the product defectively, and that researchers covered up tests showing the earplugs could result in acoustic injury.

Martin Salon, a former vice president at Aearo Technologies, was asked if it was okay for 3M to “conceal” information about potential defects in the earplug from the government. He responded, “I suppose it is, if the product is working in most cases.”

When asked whether it was acceptable “to sell a product and conceal information where it will have a negative effect on our soldiers,” Salon replied, “Yes.”

We have been representing military and former military personnel in these cases and believe that answers are needed. Hopefully this litigation allows closure for our clients. Call Alex R. Hernandez Jr. PLLC if you have a 3M Claim 361-454-1000.