How do military protect themselves from hearing loss when shooting a gun(all kinds), both during training and combat? I was wondering because I would imagine it would be loud when a shot's fired. Are they allowed to use ear plugs during combat?
2007-02-23 02:29:52 · 11 answers · asked by ocean 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
WHAT I CAN'T HEAR YOU, YOU'LL HAVE TO SPEAK UP......no we were issued earplugs for hearing protection, in training you are required to wear them, now when going into combat it is up to the individual soldier whether they want to wear them or not, I usually did not wear mine because i wanted to be able to hear everything i could so we did not walk up on something during patrol or nobody could sneak up on us.
2007-02-23 08:28:35 · answer #1 · answered by spindizz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are now "combat" ear plugs. There are 2 sides to them(yellow & green). With the yellow side out, the plug will cancel all noise. With the green side out, you are able to hear normal talking, but blocks out loud noises. It is made that when there is a loud noise, which makes a pressured sound wave, the plug will close so you don't become deaf. They work really well with IEDs, so it doesn't blow your eardrums when it goes off. Here is a link to some combat earplugs. If the whole link doesn't show, move your mouse over it, and it should come up.
www.safetyglassesusa.com/combatarms-earplugs.html
2007-02-23 03:06:31 · answer #2 · answered by af33wake 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well they have ear plugs, but most, like my husband don't use them, because if you have in the ear plugs during war, then you can't hear what is going on around you. It is of course muffled and you can't distinguish sounds. which of course could be very dangerous in the middle of a fight. He has lost obout 2/3 of his hearing in his right ear from his first trip to Iraq, he did wear a plug in his left periodically so it is not as bad. The military will not help though, since they say that they provide ear plugs.
2007-02-23 02:48:36 · answer #3 · answered by Barbara C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Earplugs are required during training at the range. During field exercises, blank ammunition is used in the M-16 which is nowhere near as loud as the real thing, so ear plugs aren't needed. M-60 blank ammo, however, is just about as loud as the real thing!
In combat, wearing ear plugs to save your hearing is the LAST thing you're worried about!
2007-02-23 02:35:08 · answer #4 · answered by Team Chief 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they are issued ear plugs that are specifcally designed with valves to shut down with the impact of loud noises. Whether of not they use them we don't know. The military has found out a lot about noise induced hearing loss from their WWII, Korean and Vietnam veterans and the military are doing whatever they can to help minimize noise induced hearing loss.
2007-02-23 06:21:06 · answer #5 · answered by melloyellolab2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some guys wear ear plugs.
There are also high tech earpieces some guys use in tactical roles that have noise canceling technology. They offer both the protection of an ear plug and the tactical advantage of being able to communicate via radio in a tiny package.
2007-02-23 02:32:24 · answer #6 · answered by C B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
During training, the recruit will always wear double hearing protection. They same SHOULD be done in the field, but rarely is. It is a stupid choice not to protect your hearing, but it usually isn't something people think about when they are young. Most military people, regardless of branch, have pretty poor hearing from not using proper hearing protection for whatever job they have.
2007-02-23 02:34:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Being as I am on the opposite side of hearing loss, I can tell you that it is a grave mistake not to protect your hearing. I have not heard a tweety bird sing for the last 40 years because I did not.
I will tell you this; you will be surprised by what you miss the most when you no longer have it.
2007-02-23 03:26:44 · answer #8 · answered by tom l 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't see any reason why you would have a noise reduction device in place during combat you would risk missing critical commands given during the course of the fire fight which could cost you your life. and you would have to have them in place at all times because fire fights don't follow a set schedule. they begin without warning most times and are usually intense and over relatively fast.
during basic on the rifle range ear protection is worn.
2007-02-23 02:42:59 · answer #9 · answered by mark_grvr 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my bf just got out of active duty and yes they are allowed army issued ear plugs. He still has his because shooting is one of his hobbies.although it still does a number on the ears. he has trouble hearing since his return from iraq
2007-02-23 02:34:54 · answer #10 · answered by daddysgurl6891 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋