Northern Ireland soldier on losing hearing after use of 'faulty' combat earplugs | Belfast Live

A soldier from Northern Ireland has opened up on the impact of losing his hearing after the use of "faulty" combat earplugs.

Johnny Bradley joined the British Army's 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment in 2006 aged 16, serving for 19 years, including two deployments to Afghanistan and one to the Falklands. He and his colleagues believed their hearing was protected by the 3M Combat Arms Earplugs version 2 (CAEv2) they were issued with.

However, the 35-year-old has now joined thousands of other troops in a lawuit against 3M, the US supplier of the earplugs. UK law firm KP Law, hich is bringing the UK's first group action lawsuit against 3M on behalf of thousands of affected British troops, claim the CAEv2s did not give users the protection they claimed to offer.

During his time in the military, particularly as an ordnance specialist, Johnny was exposed to loud noises both in training and on operational tours.

The dad-of-two now suffers from "constant" tinnitus, a high-pitched ringing in his ears, and must wear hearing aids in both ears to hear everyday sounds due to hearing loss. He said his hearing damage exacerbates his ADHD, and contributes to his anxiety and sporadic bouts of depression.

Johnny said: "I spent most of my time in a mortar platoon exposed to loud noises It's frustrating to learn that my colleagues and I were issued with kit that was meant to protect us but didn't.

"I'm only 35 and I have to wear hearing aids in both ears. The hearing loss is rubbish but the tinnitus is worse. It's constant, including at night. I really struggle to switch off."

Johnny recalled how he got emotional after being given his hearing aids. He said: "I cried when I got the hearing aids because suddenly I could hear birds singing and other sounds that previously hadn't been able to hear. They have changed my life, but I would really rather not have to wear them.

"I suffer with autism and ADHD. Not being able to hear properly, and my constant tinnitus, makes my autis