Considering training and hearing protection...

[BHPshooter]

I've been thinking about this for a long time.

On THR we always emphasize the importance of practicing what you use -- the point being that the more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in battle, so to speak. I believe it's important to learn proper technique when shooting -- learn not to jerk, not to flinch, and proper sight alignment...

Here's me beef: We practice all of that with hearing protection... but what happens in the "real deal" when you don't have muffs, and you aren't used to the report?

Sound is definitely one of the major contributors to bad habits (like flinching). Why don't we at least practice some of the time in the way a gunfight will likely happen -- without earplugs nearby -- to improve our form under realistic circumstances?

Please, this is an honest question. I'm open to all comments.
Wes

 

[OF]

My understanding, is that in a gunfight you are not likely to notice the sound. Your body defends itself from the distraction during the 'fight/flight' response.

I've had hunters explain to me that at the moment they let the shot go, they were so intent on their prey that they never heard it.

I would seriously not recommend shooting w/o hearing protection. Instant and permanent hearing loss will likely result. I have some hearing loss (and have since I was 23) from concert audio work, and it's no fun. Don't do it. That's my advice.

- Gabe

 

[Ben Shepherd]

The phenomenon is known as "audio exclusion" and it is in fact real.

I've made several shots when hunting that I don't remember hearing.

 

[Trebor]

Bad idea. Hearing damage is cumulative and permanet. You can lose a significant portion of your hearing from as little as one shot, depending on the circumstances. If you actually have to use your gun for self defense, you won't really notice the report, so why deafen yourself in practice to no point?

 

[Jeff White]

There is no sense in training to lose your hearing. The VA pays me a disability because of hearing loss I incurred in the army. I wore my hearing protection religiously yet occupational exposure even with good hearing protection left me with a 10% disability rating for hearing loss.

It wouldn't take very much realistic practice to permanently damage your hearing.

Jeff

 

[P95Carry]

Yep .. it's been said . NEVER practice without protection ... just for ''realism'' Wes. The shock wave from even 38 spl thru a snub .. is nasty .... and damaging.

In the rare (fortunately VERY rare) circumstance that someone has to actually FIRE in an SD situation ........ to hell with ears ... it's your life at stake!

The possibility of damage is there then but heck .... there are more important things to worry about and.... yeah .... ''auditory exclusion'' will almost certainly kick in under duress.

Then of course ..... better alive with a smidgeon of tinitus then dead and buried!! All other times .. protection ....... way to go.!

 

[lee n. field]

Sound is definitely one of the major contributors to bad habits (like flinching). Why don't we at least practice some of the time in the way a gunfight will likely happen -- without earplugs nearby -- to improve our form under realistic circumstances?

Because tinittis and hearing loss is forever. It don't grow back.

I suspect (soneone who's really gone through it would need to comment) that if you were in a for real self-defense w/ firearm situation, the whole fight-or-flight thing would keep you from noticing the sound at all.

 

[La Pistoletta]

Don't practice without ear protection. If you ever have to defend yourself without it, that one time shoot-out is more than enough for your ears.

 

[BHPshooter]

Okay guys, thanks for the info. I really do appreciate it.

Yes, I suppose it's not a wise idea, especially for someone who's already got tinnitus (sp?).

And yes, folks, Auditory Exclusion is real!!! I never believed in it before, but that has changed. If you want to know, go look at my ND thread in General.

Wes