Many people who have served in the United States military suffer from hearing loss following their years of service. In 2018, earplug manufacturer 3M paid a $9.1 million settlement to the United States government. A whistleblower alerted authorities that 3M’s earplugs were defective. Many members of the U.S. Armed Forces have dealt with hearing loss after using 3M earplugs during their time of service.
If you or a loved one are dealing with hearing loss after spending time in the military, it’s important that you talk to an advocate who can help. You or your loved one may be entitled to compensation due to hearing loss suffered as a result of faulty 3M earplug use.
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If you or a loved one were harmed by 3M Earplugs, you may be entitled to compensation.
1. Hearing Loss Association of America
The Hearing Loss Association of America, or HLAA, was founded in the late 1970s by Howard Stone. After suffering hearing loss while serving in the Army, CIA Agent Stone wanted to create an organization that helped others who were dealing with hearing loss.
HLAA is proud to support veterans who are living with hearing loss and offers free first-year membership to veterans. HLAA also offers complimentary convention admission to veterans (and a caregiver). Veterans who need assistance to afford hearing assistance devices can reach out to HLAA for help.
2. Hearing Health Foundation
The Hearing Health Foundation (HHF) is proud to support veterans who are living with hearing loss. In addition to providing veterans living with hearing loss with the education and support they need to thrive, HHF also provides information on steps current servicemembers can take to reduce the likelihood of hearing loss while they serve.
3. American Tinnitus Association
Tinnitus is a sound of ringing in the ears. The American Tinnitus Association works to support research that helps While many people experience tinnitus from time to time, persistent tinnitus can be debilitating. People who experience long-term tinnitus can suffer from negative psychological effects due to ongoing stress caused by an inability to get rid of ringing in the ears.
Tinnitus can be a frustrating condition, as symptoms come and go for many people who have experienced hearing damage. The ATA works to help people find solutions that work for them, creating a space for people living with tinnitus (including those who have suffered from to share ideas, solutions, and struggles with one another.
4. Association of Late-Deafened Adults
Dealing with hearing damage or loss later in life can present challenges different from those encountered by people who have been deaf or hard of hearing since birth. Many veterans and others who experience hearing loss later in life struggle to adapt to their new way of hearing. The Association of Late-Deafened Adults helps veterans and other people dealing with late-in-life hearing loss manage their new reality, creating a sense of community with others who are experiencing similar circumstances.
5. Center for Hearing and Communication
The CHC is a leading organization providing treatment and education for people who are living with hearing loss, including those who have suffered hearing issues as a result of faulty earplugs during military service. With locations in both New York and Florida, the CHC both treats people with hearing loss issues and offers support to those across the country who are adjusting to life after a change in their hearing.
People who are unsure of whether they’re suffering from hearing loss can access a free online screening tool from the CHC to learn more about their hearing health status.
6. Veteran Crisis Line
Many people who suffer from hearing loss as a result of military service find that the condition causes stress in their lives that builds over time. This can result in stress-related conditions that can make it difficult to function at a high level in day-to-day life. Thankfully, the Veteran Crisis Line offers support to military veterans who are struggling due to changes in their hearing health following military service.
If you or someone you love is struggling with stress due to hearing loss, call the Veteran Crisis Line to talk with a qualified responder and learn more about the resources available for your situation.
7. Heroes With Hearing Loss
HWHL recognizes that most veterans who have engaged in recent military conflict return to stateside life with some level of hearing loss. The organization works to connect veterans living with hearing loss with others who can make a difference in their lives, including a supportive community, healthcare professionals, and educators who can help veterans navigate their new normal.
In addition to creating a sense of community for veterans, HWHL also provides resources that can help veterans learn more about living with hearing loss. While life after hearing loss may look different, some adjustments can make it easier to keep life as close to normal as possible.
8. Dogs for Better Lives
Service animals can be life-changing for people who are living with significant disabilities, including those suffering from significant hearing loss. Dogs for Better Lives provides people with hearing loss and other sensory conditions with dogs trained to help them live healthy, safe, independent lives.
While people with hearing loss are often able to navigate many aspects of day-to-day life on their own, safety issues arise when they are unable to hear warnings or alarms. A service dog trained to alert their owner of auditory warnings can be the difference between life and death for a person living with hearing loss.
9. Oscar Mike Foundation
The Oscar Mike Foundation works to provide disabled veterans with the opportunity to participate in adaptive sports. For many veterans who have experienced disability as a result of their time in the service, participating in adaptive sports can boost confidence and create a renewed sense of self. The competitive aspect of adaptive sports can help people who are living with hearing loss keep a positive, uplifting focus despite disability-related challenges.
10. Veteran’s Affairs
The military is well aware of the hearing issues that many veterans encounter after their time in the service, and they’re working hard to provide veterans with the resources necessary to thrive despite a service-related disability.
Veteran’s Affairs medical center professionals work to provide veterans with the support, devices, and education they need to thrive after experiencing service-related hearing loss. Veterans can reach out to their local VA medical center to learn more about their options.
Did You Or A Loved One Suffer From Hearing Loss Due To Military Service? We’re Here To Help.
If you or a family member are living with hearing loss following military service, you may have a case that could result in financial compensation. We’re here to help you learn more about your options, and provide a free case review. Reach out to us today to learn more.
Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one were harmed by 3M Earplugs, you may be entitled to compensation.
When you sign up to protect and serve the United States of America by enlisting in the Armed Forces, you inherently understand that there are risks involved.
If you’re looking for another way to address your tinnitus, we’ve put together a list of five tinnitus hacks that might help you better manage your condition.
We are here to help you and loved ones advocate for justice. Feel free to send us any questions you might have, either about an injury or the process for pursuing justice so we can help you exercise your rights.
We are here to help you and loved ones advocate for justice. Feel free to send us any questions you might have, either about an injury or the process for pursuing justice so we can help you exercise your rights.
