3M begins $6 billion settlement payment to veterans, issuing $253 million in January

Multinational conglomerate 3M is beginning to pay out over $250 million dollars to veterans and military service members for defective ear plugs.

Approximately $253 million will be distributed as part of a settlement after earplugs manufactured by the company were alleged to provide insufficient protection and contribute to hearing loss.

"We are pleased with 3M's decision to move up this payment and appreciate its commitment to the resolution of these claims," said plaintiffs' attorney Bryan Aylstock.

The payments, which are expected to go to over 30,000 past and present service members, are part of a larger multibillion settlement regarding the defective safety equipment.