Im283
Member
I have never seen this mentioned here.
In battle how do soldiers protect their hearing during a firefight?
Is it not a consideration?
In battle how do soldiers protect their hearing during a firefight?
Is it not a consideration?
noise protection
- Thread starter Im283
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rero360
Member
they have given use these new earplugs, called combat earplugs, they have a green end and a yellow end, they work pretty well, when you use them. I've only actually used them at the range, as a gunner I found it impossible to hear anyone or the radios with them in while on patrol, so I don't bother with them, plus half the time I'm in trucks with the Vics headsets so can't use earplugs with them.
reppondj
Member
Ditto on the combat earplugs, great while takin a stroll down the street on Trailblazer duty but cant hear a thing when it comes to commo stuff....Anyway, still light years better than the old rubber ones, LOL.
heypete
Member
They generally don't.
In the tank I crewed, we had spiffy noise canceling earmuffs that really cut down on sound. It wasn't the main gun that was loud (surprisingly quiet from the inside, but a veritable Hammer of Thor from the outside), but mostly the obnoxious whine of the turbine engine. The earmuffs reduced the sound to just about nothing.
In the tank I crewed, we had spiffy noise canceling earmuffs that really cut down on sound. It wasn't the main gun that was loud (surprisingly quiet from the inside, but a veritable Hammer of Thor from the outside), but mostly the obnoxious whine of the turbine engine. The earmuffs reduced the sound to just about nothing.
James T Thomas
Member
you rang?
I can't speak for today's soldier, but I walk around with a constant hissing, ringing in my ears due to firearms and bomb exposure.
At the time, hearing protection was the least of my worries. Many of the men I served with paid a much higher price than mine, so I bear it.
Many years ago I had my records sent from St.Lewis to the local VA hospital so that I could be examined an apply for hearing loss compensation.
I intended to put the money away for education purpose for my sons.
My exam was performed by a physician who spoke only broken English; was not a citizen, I believe. Following that exam I never heard from the VA again as to the findings or conclusion, so I dropped the matter in disgust.
From what I learned later, what happened with me is typical.
Though I do understand now that since the WWII vets are rapidly passing away, that the VA is now needing "bodies" and is more receptive to our vets.
My experience was infantry, and I suppose that any type of ear protection is not feasable under battlefield conditions even now.
I can't speak for today's soldier, but I walk around with a constant hissing, ringing in my ears due to firearms and bomb exposure.
At the time, hearing protection was the least of my worries. Many of the men I served with paid a much higher price than mine, so I bear it.
Many years ago I had my records sent from St.Lewis to the local VA hospital so that I could be examined an apply for hearing loss compensation.
I intended to put the money away for education purpose for my sons.
My exam was performed by a physician who spoke only broken English; was not a citizen, I believe. Following that exam I never heard from the VA again as to the findings or conclusion, so I dropped the matter in disgust.
From what I learned later, what happened with me is typical.
Though I do understand now that since the WWII vets are rapidly passing away, that the VA is now needing "bodies" and is more receptive to our vets.
My experience was infantry, and I suppose that any type of ear protection is not feasable under battlefield conditions even now.
RNB65
Member
I'm not a veteran, but I've read several threads in the past on this very topic and the most common answer I've seen is that most report they didn't wear any ear protection in combat. And most of them have permanent hearing damage as a result.
Pilgrim
Member
James T. Thomas
You might want to go pound on some doors at the VA and reopen your case. Interest from your Congress critter helps too.
Pilgrim
After working on aircraft carriers for several years, I suffered hearing loss and tinnitus. The Fresno VA sent me to an audiologist whose report confirmed my hearing loss. The VA evaluated my 'disability' at 10%.
You might want to go pound on some doors at the VA and reopen your case. Interest from your Congress critter helps too.
Pilgrim
The single largest disability that soldiers is from hearing loss. Much of that is machine related, but the next most common cause is small arms fire.
BADUNAME13
Member
There are (usually custom made) ear plugs which cut out loud noises, and allow you to hear normal volume sounds.
Other guys in my Plt said they were afraid of not hearing something. I said: "After the first round goes off I'll hear MUCH better than you no matter what."
I wore them CONSTANTLY outside the wire.
When we got back, and were tested, out of my entire Plt myself and one other guy who did the same had 'No preceptable hearing loss' the others, including my 'Little Brother' have constant ringing in their ears.
Other guys in my Plt said they were afraid of not hearing something. I said: "After the first round goes off I'll hear MUCH better than you no matter what."
I wore them CONSTANTLY outside the wire.
When we got back, and were tested, out of my entire Plt myself and one other guy who did the same had 'No preceptable hearing loss' the others, including my 'Little Brother' have constant ringing in their ears.
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