See HEAR now!

[Zsnake]

Something I've been wondering about. I'm sure that when at a range or just plinking in the back yard, most of us wear hearing protection. I'm also sure that in a practical situation...home break in, outside defense, etc. we are NOT protecting our ears. So, after firing without protection, how long is it until we get our normal hearing back?

I really would like to know how we are supposed to hear what the operator on the 911 line is saying to us after we have fired in defense of home and family? We are told to stay on the line, but how well can we hear what's being said?

I have experimented with shooting without protection (NOT much) on my small range, and find it really painful. Could not hear much for quite a while afterwards (OR is that just ME?).Would one hear an additional BG approaching after one exchanged fire with perp #1?

Thoughts please.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Cuda66]

I keep my Peltor Tac 6's near my HD pistol...if (big if) I have time to don them, I will.

[OPFOR]

The phenomenon of auditory exclusion is pretty common in extreme stress situations. Often, people in gunfights don't hear the "loudness" that their gun (or other people's guns) makes - the body and mind work together to exclude damaging noise.

That said, if by some chance you do have the opportunity to don hearing protection, I would.

[retsupt99]

Homeowner: Yes officer, I was in fear of my life and was forced to make a one second decision when I shot this intruder.

LEO: I understand sir, but just how did you have time to put on your shooting glasses, electronic muffs, shooting vest, and set up your pistol tripod?

[DIXIETWISTER]

Homeowner: Yes officer, I was in fear of my life and was forced to make a one second decision when I shot this intruder.

LEO: I understand sir, but just how did you have time to put on your shooting glasses, electronic muffs, shooting vest, and set up your pistol tripod?

LOL FUNNY

[maddyfish]

When I was a kid, I had never seen anybody with hearing gear on. Most of the time outside when I am plinking, I do not use hearing gear. In and indoor range I certainly would not shoot without it. But outside, not me, I like to hear the echo off the hills.

[First Sgt]

Homeowner: Yes officer, I was in fear of my life and was forced to make a one second decision when I shot this intruder.

LEO: I understand sir, but just how did you have time to put on your shooting glasses, electronic muffs, shooting vest, and set up your pistol tripod?

5,000 comedians out of work and this man just keeps crackin the jokes!!! Gotta luv it!!!

[Stevew]

Hunters seldom wear hearing protection. Shouldn't be a problem that you can't live with. I'll take a little hearing damage over being dead any day.

[jwhite75]

Just depends on what you are shooting and the acoustics of the space allowing the sounds waves to be deflected back to youear.

[Rugergirl]

In a defensive situation the last thing likely to cross my mind could be hearing protection. That said shooting outdoors is less likely to cause hearing damage than say having to fire inside your home or from inside a vehicle.
As far as time at the range, no way I would shoot or be around other shooters without it, even if it wasn't one of the safety regulations at my local range.

[NC Bullseye]

Homeowner: Yes officer, I was in fear of my life and was forced to make a one second decision when I shot this intruder.

LEO: I understand sir, but just how did you have time to put on your shooting glasses, electronic muffs, shooting vest, and set up your pistol tripod?

The same way you manage to keep hitting your mouth with them doughnuts officer, PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!