Those who served

[tbtrout]

I lost some of my hearing in my left ear more than my right. The thing is you really do not notice the noise as you are shooting. When it is over, there is a nice ringing in your ear, especially if someone was next to you shooting, or some close explosions happen. It is just like hunting, when a bird goes up you shoot and really do not notice any noise. At least I do not.

 

[def4pos8]

For me it was 400Hz generators (combined with small arms, artillery and the odd "big boom"). --not nearly as dramatic as a firefight but those mosquitoes refuse to go away. . . .

NOTE TO wideym: welcome to THR. I've listened to the voices since 1980. They don't go away but, with time, they can be accomodated. . . .

 

[Rufus Pisanus]

Would regular ear plugs be good enough to prevent hearing loss with a firearm? as in the ones for a dollar, that you twist and insert?

What would you guys recommend for hearing protection, as in earplugs

I am no expert but I would guess that they are enough in the open (and certainly better than nothing). Indoor and depending on the firearm one might well need more. Once in a practical shooting competition I had to shoot while laying within a big metal pipe and my 9mm echoed worse than a 44 mag! It was very loud despite good ear protection.

 

[pappy]

My dad was in WWII. He was a tank driver and the ear toward the gun was totally deaf by the time he was discharged.

 

[1911 guy]

What did you say?

I've got some hearing loss, but not terrible. Background noise does me in every time. I have a hard time having a conversation in public places or if there is a T.V. or radio on.

I also get a loud ringing in my ears occasionally. Probably three times a month. Nearly deafening.

As for the voices, they don't bother me. I just poke them with a Q-tip.