3M likely to settle for nearly $5.5B in earplugs case after hearing-loss complaints

3M and attorneys representing plaintiffs are nearing a more than $5 billion settlement to resolve hundreds of thousands of complaints by military veterans that the company’s earplugs did not protect them from hearing loss.

Under the deal, 3M would pay about $5.5 billion, but negotiations are continuing and the final dollar amount has not been established, according to people familiar with discussions. The board of 3M has yet to vote on a proposed settlement to resolve