Join our claim today to get justice from 3M*

If you’ve suffered from hearing loss while serving in the armed forces, you could be entitled to compensation.

*3M: US manufacturer of personal safety equipment. Multinational conglomerate. Market cap. $82.89bn (NYSE - 27.03.25)

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

A Royal Navy Merlin Mk2, from 814 NAS, conducted a photographic exercise (PHOTEX) involving RFA Tideforce (A139) (left) and RFA Tidesurge (A138) (right), with RFA Fort Victoria (A387) (rear) off the Southwest Coast.

The Tide class tankers were conducting replenishment at sea trials (RAS).

The Tide class double-hulled tankers maintain the Royal Navys dedicated bulk fuel replenishment at sea capabilities all around the world. Replenishments at sea are the bread and butter of Royal Fleet Auxiliary operations.

Pictured: Two 33 Squadron Puma HC.Mk2 from RAF Benson fly over the Sennybridge training area.

On Thursday 30th January 2025 two Puma HC-Mk2 Helicopters from RAF Benson transited with an RAF Odiham 18 Sqn Chinook, making their way to Sennybridge to assist with trooping serials for an Army Cadet Exercise carrying troops through fields in the Welsh countryside in one of the final times Odiham Chinooks and Benson Pumas will ever work together.

RAF Benson in South Oxfordshire is a support helicopter main operating base working within the Joint Helicopter Command.

RAF Benson is home to two front-line Puma HC2 helicopter squadrons and one Operational Conversion Unit, flying a mix of Puma HC2 and Chinook HC4 helicopters. It is also home to the Operational Evaluation Unit of the Joint Helicopter Command.

Pictured: 1 PWRR soldiers during Exercise Olive Grove in Jordan.

Exercise Olive Grove is a bilateral training exercise which takes place in the demanding desert environment in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It involves up to 140 SP from A Company Group, Princess Of Wales Royal Regiment (1 PWRR) who are partnered throughout the exercise with a comparable number from the Jordanian Armed Forces, specifically the King Hussein Brigade (KHB). Ex OG ran from 14 Jan to 16 Feb 25.

Once deployed to Al Quwayrah Training Area, located in the southern part of Jordan approximately 45 minutes north of Aqaba and 3 hours 15 minutes south of Amman, the training initially focused on live fire tactical training. This saw an advancement from individual, through section to platoon live fire training enhancing the warfighting competence of the 1 PWRR soldiers.

The initial live fire training phase culminated in an imaginative and innovative company 36-hour live fire exercise bringing all the skills trained into a realistic and demanding scenario built on the lessons of contemporary global conflicts. This included casualty evacuations, attacks at night and patrolling along undulating desert scrub containing wadis and rocky outcrops, with peaks of over 1100m.

Pictured: 1 PWRR soldier fires a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) on Exercise Olive Grove in Jordan.

Exercise Olive Grove is a bilateral training exercise which takes place in the demanding desert environment in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It involves up to 140 SP from A Company Group, Princess Of Wales Royal Regiment (1 PWRR) who are partnered throughout the exercise with a comparable number from the Jordanian Armed Forces, specifically the King Hussein Brigade (KHB). Ex OG ran from 14 Jan to 16 Feb 25.

Once deployed to Al Quwayrah Training Area, located in the southern part of Jordan approximately 45 minutes north of Aqaba and 3 hours 15 minutes south of Amman, the training initially focused on live fire tactical training. This saw an advancement from individual, through section to platoon live fire training enhancing the warfighting competence of the 1 PWRR soldiers.

The initial live fire training phase culminated in an imaginative and innovative company 36-hour live fire exercise bringing all the skills trained into a realistic and demanding scenario built on the lessons of contemporary global conflicts. This included casualty evacuations, attacks at night and patrolling along undulating desert scrub containing wadis and rocky outcrops, with peaks of over 1100m.

Image of two RAF Typhoon FGR Mk 4 aircraft, seen here during a routine mission over the Middle East as part of Operation Shader.

Op SHADER air to air refuelling sortie took place on Wednesday 13th November, maintaining Typhoon presence across the Middle East running routine missions.

Typhoon, Voyager and Atlas A400 aircraft operate from RAF AKrotiri as part of Op SHADER, part of the International coalition effort fighting terrorist organisations in the Middle East region.

The RAF has been engaged in this mission since 2014 combating Daesh in Iraq and Eastern Syria as well as Houthi Rebels more recently in Yemen who threaten global shipping.

Taking on 3M for UK Armed Forces and Veterans

Are you one of the thousands of British service personnel who have suffered hearing loss, tinnitus or long-term hearing damage after being issued faulty earplugs manufactured by the American PPE giant 3M? If so, you could be entitled to compensation. That’s why we’re taking on 3M - to get justice and compensation for those who served.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

JOIN WITH A CLEAN CONSCIENCE - WE’RE NOT GOING AFTER THE MOD:

This legal action is against 3M - not the Ministry of Defence or the Armed Forces. We believe that the Ministry of Defence was misled. That’s why we're holding the manufacturer accountable.

HELP SECURE JUSTICE - AND DEFEND OUR ARMED FORCES:

We believe those who served were let down. The integrity of the earplugs supplied by 3M was not at the standard the MOD expected - nor sufficient to protect those who served.

IT’S A SIMPLE PROCESS - WITH NO FEE IF UNSUCCESSFUL:

If you served in the UK Armed Forces and were issued faulty 3M earplugs and suffered hearing damage or loss, you are eligible to join the legal claim. If successful, you may receive compensation. It’s a no-win no-fee case.

JOIN WITH A CLEAN CONSCIENCE - WE’RE NOT GOING AFTER THE MOD:

This legal action is against 3M - not the Ministry of Defence or the Armed Forces. We believe that the Ministry of Defence was misled. That’s why we're holding the manufacturer accountable.

HELP SECURE JUSTICE - AND DEFEND OUR ARMED FORCES:

You who served were let down. Integrity is a core value for Armed Forces personnel who were betrayed by 3M’s lack of integrity. You believed your hearing was protected - but it wasn’t because 3M’s earplugs didn’t work. You deserve justice and compensation.

IT’S A SIMPLE PROCESS - WITH NO FEE IF UNSUCCESSFUL:

If you served in the UK Armed Forces, were issued 3M earplugs and suffered hearing damage or loss, you are eligible to join the legal claim. If successful, you may receive compensation. It’s a no-win no-fee case.

How are KP Law helping others?

£1billion

Total value of claims currently being managed for our clients is over.

225,000+

Claims currently being managed by KP Law.

100+

Specialist staff dedicated to pursuing claims on behalf of our clients.

Proven Trust, Real Results

Hear from people we've already helped — and see why people trust us to lead the fight for them.

What level of hearing loss do I need to have to make a claim?

Any level of hearing loss is accepted.

Can I claim if I haven’t been formally diagnosed with hearing loss or tinnitus?

Yes, if you suspect you are suffering from hearing loss or tinnitus but have not received a diagnosis, you can still pursue a claim. We will arrange for you to undergo a hearing test to determine whether you are suffering from hearing loss or tinnitus.

Can I claim if I suffer from tinnitus but not hearing loss?

Yes, you can. This claim is open to all those who served in the military and suffer with either hearing loss, or tinnitus.

How is compensation assessed?

Compensation for general damages will be assesed on the severity of your hearing loss and/or tinnitus. In addition to general damages, you may also be entitled to special damages which will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Is this really free? Are there any hidden fees?

There are no hidden costs. You will also be charged for expenses necessary to run your claim, however these will be deducted from your compensation should your claim be successful.

Who is KP Law?

KP Law is a specialist law firm helping British service personnel claim compensation for hearing damage caused by faulty 3M earplugs. We’re experts in group litigation claims.

How can I contact KPLaw?

You can get in touch with KPLaw by Phone: 0161 710 3085 or Email: hearinglossclaim@kpl.co.uk

Who is 3M and what did they do wrong?

3M is a multinational conglomerate based in the United States, known for its wide range of products in various industries, including healthcare, consumer goods, electronics, and industrial solutions.

It is alleged that the 3M Combat Arms Earplug V2.0 were not designed properly, resulting in hearing damage to service personnel who used the earplugs.

I already have a claim with the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or MOD can I still claim against 3M?

Yes. Claims against 3M are entirely separate and do not affect your Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or MOD claim.

What evidence do I need to support my claim?

You will need to provide your permission for us to contact you/your loved one’s treating hospital(s)/GP and employer to obtain medical records and medical military notes on your behalf.

How long will the claim take?

Timelines vary, but we’ll keep you updated every step of the way. Most cases take several months to a number of years depending on complexity and evidence required.

I served years ago - can I still make a claim?

Yes. As long as you used 3M earplugs during your service and are now experiencing hearing issues, you may still be eligible. Get in touch to check if you're within the time limits.

Will making a claim affect my military pension or benefits?

No, this claim is not being made against the MOD, it is made against 3M, the manufacturer of the hearing equipment.

I used earplugs but don’t know if they were 3M - can I still claim?

If you are unsure about whether you used 3M earplugs, we will provide you with additional information regarding the earplugs to help you determine whether you did use them or not.

What happens after I submit my claim form?

Once you submit your form, our team will assess your information, contact you for any extra details, and guide you through the next steps, including medical assessments if required.

Is this part of a group action or individual claim?

This claim will be part of a group action, as we will be acting on behalf of a large group of people affected by hearing loss because of a similar reason.

Court documents will be prepared on behalf of the entire group, but the court will in due course decide how the claim will be managed, which could include a number of claims being selected as ‘test claims’ so that important issues are determined quickly.

View full FAQs

Claimant Form

Step 1 of 4

Have you/your loved one been employed by the Armed Forces?(Required)

Have you/your loved one been diagnosed with hearing loss or tinnitus?(Required)

Do you believe that you/your loved one may have hearing loss or tinnitus?(Required)

Have you/your loved one used 3M Combat Arms Version 2 earplugs?(Required)

Have you instructed another law firm to act on you/your loved one’s behalf in relation to a hearing loss claim? (Please Note: If you have an open claim against the MOD, you can still join this claim against 3M)(Required)

Is this claim about you or someone else?(Required)

Name of Loved One (First Name Field and Last Name field)(Required)

Representee First Name Representee Last Name

Is this person deceased?(Required)

Title(Required)

First Name(Required)

Last Name(Required)

Date of Birth(Required)

Claimant should be greater than 18 years old. Format (DD-MM-YYYY)

Address(Required)

Address Line 1 Address Line 2 City County Postcode Country

Mobile Number / Home Number?

Mobile Number

Home Number

Phone Number(Required)

Please enter a valid UK phone number starting with 07 or +44.

Email Address(Required)

Enter Email Confirm Email

WHO IS 3M?

3M is a US-based multinational conglomerate and manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE). They supplied defective earplugs to the UK military, which were used by personnel in operational theatres including Iraq and Afghanistan.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

GLOBAL GIANT – GLOBAL ACCOUNTABILITY:

3M is a global corporation with a market capitalisation of $82.9 billion (NYSE, 27.03.25). In the US, they have already agreed a $6 billion settlement with affected military personnel. It's now time the UK Armed Forces personnel get justice too.

A BETRAYAL OF SERVICE:

You, our armed forces men and women, were betrayed. You believed your hearing was protected – but it wasn’t. You deserve justice and compensation from 3M.

IT’S TIME TO ACT:

3M has faced justice in the United States. UK Armed Forces and veterans deserve the same. Join the fight for recognition and rightful compensation.

GLOBAL GIANT – GLOBAL ACCOUNTABILITY:

A BETRAYAL OF SERVICE:

You, our armed forces men and women were betrayed. You believed their hearing was protected – but it wasn’t. You deserve justice and compensation from 3M.

IT’S TIME TO ACT:

3M has faced justice in the United States. UK Armed Forces and veterans deserve the same. Join the fight for recognition and rightful compensation.