Question

[gil671]

I've been watching some Iraq/Afghanistan war footage recently with US soldiers shooting their M16s nxt to each other during a firefight. It might be a dumb question and always wondered about this, but how do they not lose hearing while shooting next to each other with no hearing protection? I know they have to listen for movement around them and shots from different directions. Is it the adrenalin rush that keeps them from losing hearing? Just wanted to know because in a HD situation where all the senses are needed, the last thing i want is to lose my hearing after firing off a weapon.

[stix213]

My understanding is they just go ahead and lose their hearing unfortunately. Hopefully someone who has been there can speak to it.

[Josh3239]

They do issue hearing protection. Some guys use it, some don't.

[BayAreaShooter]

They do issue hearing protection. Some guys use it, some don't.

I believe this is correct. ^^^^^^

[gil671]

Thanks for the info. Just wondering because if its a HD situation, i hope i dont lose my hearing. I still want to be able to hear whats around me.

[BayAreaShooter]

Thanks for the info. Just wondering because if its a HD situation, i hope i dont lose my hearing. I still want to be able to hear whats around me.

I understand you concern. Have you ever fired a gun without hearing protection. While I do not suggest it I have done it in hunting situations and you will lose hearing temporarily and have a ringing noise for a while but you can still hear. Now if it was a fire fight in Afghanistan it would be more of an issue.

[jptopz]

I have noticed that when hunting I don't even remember hearing the rifle go off. You are pumped up on addrlen. I am sure that in the long term it will do some real damage. They should issue the electronic ear plugs so that they can hear what they need to while still being protected in the fire fight.

[gil671]

I understand you concern. Have you ever fired a gun without hearing protection. While I do not suggest it I have done it in hunting situations and you will lose hearing temporarily and have a ringing noise for a while but you can still hear. Now if it was a fire fight in Afghanistan it would be more of an issue.

Actually i have shot a few guns without protection and have experienced temporary hearing loss like you at an outdoor range back home. I guess the situation will vary especially in a house or enclosed area.

[Stormfeather]

Ok, just to clear the air on this, . . .

Yes they do issue hearing protection.

No Most guys dont wear it on patrol, you have no hearing awareness which could be very lethal against you.

Yes the majority of us lose our hearing, its that or get killed because we didnt hear a command being yelled, like "Watch out behind you. . ."

Hope this helps. 63% hearing loss and only 3 more deployments to go!!!

[rgs1975]

Combat veterans and great hearing are seldom two things associated with each other.

[Flintlock Tom]

Ok, just to clear the air on this, . . .

Yes they do issue hearing protection.

No Most guys dont wear it on patrol, you have no hearing awareness which could be very lethal against you.

Yes the majority of us lose our hearing, its that or get killed because we didnt hear a command being yelled, like "Watch out behind you. . ."

Hope this helps. 63% hearing loss and only 3 more deployments to go!!!

Stormfeather, Thank you for your service. My hat is off to you.

Why not use electronic hearing protection that actually amplifies the sounds around you, until gunfire starts up?

USN '71-'77

[djleisure]

Stormfeather, Thank you for your service. My hat is off to you.

Why not use electronic hearing protection that actually amplifies the sounds around you, until gunfire starts up?

USN '71-'77

The kind of hearing protection that you are talking about that would actually be functional in a combat situation (in-ear pro, not bulky earmuff-style) is pretty darn expensive and contains some pretty sensitive electronics. They would get lost/broken all the time - unfortunately it just wouldn't be cost-effective.

I love my Howard Leight electronic ear pro for plinking and mild run-and-gunning, but in a combat situation I would ditch them in a second.

[BayAreaShooter]

The kind of hearing protection that you are talking about that would actually be functional in a combat situation (in-ear pro, not bulky earmuff-style) is pretty darn expensive and contains some pretty sensitive electronics. They would get lost/broken all the time - unfortunately it just wouldn't be cost-effective.

I love my Howard Leight electronic ear pro for plinking and mild run-and-gunning, but in a combat situation I would ditch them in a second.

I think that would be the main issue. It's sad though as we spend massive amounts of money already. I think some good hearing protection would be money well spent.