Ex-commando to sue earplug firm 3M over hearing loss in Army

An ex-Royal Marines commando from Birmingham has joined a legal action claiming he lost part of his hearing because of faulty earplugs supplied to soldiers.

- JAMES CARTLEDGE News Reporter

Dad-of-two Dave Pettifer, 47, is a veteran of three tours of Afghanistan and used 3M earplugs during a decade with the Marines' heavy weapons and anti-tanks sub-unit from 2002.

He suffered hearing loss in his left ear and is among former UK armed forces personnel joining a legal claim against US manufacturer 3M.

Dave said: "The hearing loss I suffered affects me on a daily basis, to the point where my wife has to repeat things when I mis-hear. In other instances, including in the work I've done since leaving the Marines, I have often felt embarrassed when I've had to ask people to repeat themselves after not hearing them correctly."