Updates

Noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus unfortunately are common injury risks in combat and off-duty situations. This has been a well-known and accepted part of military service for decades. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, today these conditions are by far the most prevalent service-connected injuries.

In response to this issue, the U.S. military has dedicated substantial resources to researching and finding solutions to decrease potential noise-related conditions that service members often experience. We are proud to partner with the military on these initiatives.

With respect to the CAEv2 product, 3M worked in close coordination with the U.S. military, and the product’s design reflected features requested and accepted by individuals acting on the military’s behalf. These features included that the plug was one-size, dual ended, triple flanged, and contained a filter. Together, these features enabled the CAEv2 product to offer protection from high-level impulse noises – like gunfire – while still allowing the user to hear lower-level sounds – like speech – with limited interruption.

As noted, hearing loss unfortunately has always been a potential side effect for individuals serving in the military. Like other hearing protection devices, the CAEv2 product was developed to decrease those side effects, not prevent them entirely.

3M has great respect for the brave men and women who protect us around the world, and their safety is our priority. We firmly believe that it is an honor and privilege to develop innovative products that help protect our troops and support their missions, and we look forward to partnering with the military in the years to come.