hearing protection

[paddyraid]

has anyone given any thought to how they'd protect their hearing if they had to use their weapon inside the house during a home invasion? i just kinda thought about that yesterday and decided to keep some muffs by the bedside. i really don't want to lose my hearing. any thoughts?

[sonofeugene]

If you're really rushed, your life will trump your hearing.

However, if you have the extra seconds, hearing protection can be very advantages.

I have some electronic muffs hanging at my side table.

[bergmen]

When hunting with rifles (.308 Winchester, 30-30) I never realized the muzzle blast when taking game. It never even occurred to me until I walked up to the dead animal. I would expect the same in an HD situation.

Dan

[sealocan]

While I hope you do, I'm not sure you're going to have the extra time to put on hearing protection in the middle of the night or most last-minute emergencies but if you do I'm going to suggest you go with some of the more expensive electronic filtering type. That way you can hear what the person that is trespassing is saying or the policeman's verbal commands. You can even get the hunter's type that amplify sound but electronically muffle gunfire.

[tabascoz28]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyNvbeCTRO8

Bill Burr talks about 22 or maybe a BB gun.

[Epaphroditus]

Suppressor.

[ScottsBad]

We've had long discussions about this, and ,believe it or not, they get quite...uh...interesting.

I'm not going to fight in this discussion, put on your muffs if you have time. But sonofeugene is correct. When you hear someone in your house or breaking into your house, the last thing you will think about is putting on your hearing protection and adjusting it.
Your heart rate and blood pressure will go sky high, you might even start shaking.

From here down is what I learned in our last discussion on this subject:

First watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAq3OCY6I1k&

The argument against the consideration of loudness in a life or death self defense situation is suggested by John Lovell who has years of first hand experience in extremely adverse war fighting and LE conditions, indoors and outdoors.

First, here is a simple statement explaining the effect.

"Auditory exclusion is part of fight or flight, and means that when you are under high stress the sounds of gunfire or other loud sounds that you should have easily heard are muffled or muted to the point that you don't realize that any excess noise was generated-until someone tells you about it in the aftermath."

Note: This effect in NOT present during training; where hearing protection must be worn.

This is scientifically understood. See the References in this Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auditory_exclusion

More

https://www.cji.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/darin_clay.pdf

https://www.corrections1.com/officer-safety/articles/understanding-limitations-of-the-fight-or-flight-response-YohO5xv5WG0sui0v/

My Conclusion: Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) response that includes Auditory Exclusion does not preclude some possible damage to your ears. But the likely-hood of ever needing to shoot for HD is very very low, and the amount of damage would probably be relatively small, making the loudness of the weapon a small consideration.

[CWL]

Skip the muffs, go straight to gun.

Auditory exclusion is real, and you will experience it if ever in danger. Your mind will prioritize what is unnecessary during combat.

I was once on the receiving end of an artillery barrage and all I could hear was the sound of my own heart trying to beat its way out of my chest.

[L84CABO]

I keep a set of electronic muffs on my nightstand. They only take a second or two to put on and you can always skip them if there isn't time.

I would not use passive muffs in this role. You need to be able to hear things accurately. So a pair of quality muffs that amplify the low noises and have two microphones so you can accurately determine the direction of the sound, are critical in my opinion. My muffs have a single push button to turn them on and they come on to whatever the last setting was...I keep the volume all the way up. YMMV.

[sonofeugene]

Have Sordins at my bedside.

[NapalmCheese]

Auditory exclusion doesn't prevent hearing damage.

If you can put on ear pro, do it.

Don't let the lack of ear pro prevent you from defending your life or the life of a loved one.

Being alive is a prerequisite to being able to hear.

[GeeBee49]

I do not keep hearing protection near my HD gun. Your very first thought should be to grab your gun. You should not be concerned with putting on your glasses or picking up a flashlight or putting on hearing protection.
You will need your hearing to determine what and where the threat is. If you're worried about loud noises then keep a baseball bat next to your bed instead of a gun.

[sonofeugene]

I do not keep hearing protection near my HD gun. Your very first thought should be to grab your gun. You should not be concerned with putting on your glasses or picking up a flashlight or putting on hearing protection.
You will need your hearing to determine what and where the threat is. If you're worried about loud noises then keep a baseball bat next to your bed instead of a gun.

So your idea is that we should leave your bedroom without glasses or a light to see with? Why not just keep your eyes closed as well?

I someone is concerned about not grabbing the gun first, then do so. Then, if you have the time, put your glasses on and grab a light so you don't shoot your daughter. And put on some ear pro as well.

[theLBC]

ima shoot through a pillow, lol.

if you are going to plan for ep, consider electronic options because not being able to hear the intruder or other sounds is probably not a great idea.

[ScottsBad]

Auditory exclusion doesn't prevent hearing damage.

If you can put on ear pro, do it.

Don't let the lack of ear pro prevent you from defending your life or the life of a loved one.

Being alive is a prerequisite to being able to hear.

I don't know if you know this but most soldiers do not wear their hearing protection. Some suffer severe hearing loss, but most do not. Apparently, auditory exclusion does have some protective attributes.

I also, believe that if there is a real threat the average person won't even think about ear protection. I've NEVER heard of a homeowner putting on ear protection when someone is in their house.

Even if it only takes three seconds to put them on your head, adjust them, and turn them on, that is the amount of time it takes someone to run to the top of my stairs and come in my bed room. I timed it at four seconds.

I'd take that time to ready my weapon and place myself in a defensible position. Holler to my wife and warn the intruder.

The problem is, you may not know how long the intruder has been inside and how close he is.

I just figure that my life and that of my family is worth more than some hearing loss, if it came to that.