heyyodaddio

Just a quick question for all...
I have shot many rounds down range with full "ears and eyes" on. I have even taken shots outdoors without ear protection just to see how loud it would be.
But, let's say I get awaken in the middle of the night by someone trying to get in my house. I get up, get the 9mm pistol(I know, I know... should be a shotgun, but not there yet), look down my hall(I live in a ranch style home), see the BG and begin to fire in self defense. I would imagine the noise from the first shot(let alone subsequent shots), while standing in a narrow hall without ear protection would about deafen me. Would I be able to talk to or hear anyone yelling at me? Is there any way to possibly simulate or train for that? Is is very easy to fire at an unmoving target at the range while protected. Has anyone been in this scenario?

wagglebee

Your hearing would should be okay from a few shots. You would have more adrenaline pumping than you ever have in your life, so everything would seem "different."

The main thing that a lot of people don't consider is how their eyes will react to the flash from the gun, unfortunately there really isn't a way to "practice" for that.

ccw9mm

It'll certainly be loud, but according to many sources the chemical dump of excitement/stress surging through your body will make it different than you expect. Likely, you may not even truly hear it, given what you're focusing on.

Yes, the sound's pressure waves will still damage those little hairs and pieces in the ear, same as always. Though, better that than failing to fire for fear of hearing damage, though.

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David in FL

Neither cops nor soldiers wear hearing protection on the job. If it comes down to it, your hearing will remain intact......hopefully the same won't be said for the BG!

PaulJ

In particular soldiers frequently suffer from hearing loss (even talked to an artillery guy ;-) ). Your hearing is usually damaged from prolonged damage (e.g. listening to loud music a lot) or extreme loud noise (explosions). Handgun shots even indoors should not be loud enough to cause immediate permanent damage. Try to keep it below one box of ammo for each intruder ;-)

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JonInNY

I agree with the other replied. I have actually been caught off-guard at the range house with .223 fire, and other large rounds, and yes, it is very loud. But your sensitivity will probably be focused in other ways, and the body will adapt.

Stay safe!

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pgrass101

You really won't notice the noise at the time, but your ears will be ringing later.

The muzzle flash will have a much more immediate effect

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buzzgum

I've wanted to get a suppressor for my .45acp for in the house use if needed (don't want to damage the hearing of my 3 little boys and wife) and wondered if this would also cut down on the muzzle flash? If so, wouldn't this be the way to go? This is assuming you have the money to acquire one.

heyyodaddio

lol. I WILL try. Depends on how angry I am for being woken up in the middle of the night... jk.
Never really thought of the muzzle flash. Then again since I shoot at the range it is always well lit so I have actually never seen it. I do try to keep my house lit through the night, but that doesn't mean the BG can't try to turn off the light.
I have thought about the military and leo's, and I do know that prolonged high noise levels can cause hearing damage. I was just wondering about the ability to communicate during or after with, possibly, family. Guess adrenaline does help though.
Thanks for the quick replies. I truly enjoy this site. It has be a wealth of knowledge.
What is the cost for these and just how hard is it to get one?

Rob72

1) If it's so dark that muzzle flash "blinds" you, you were shooting in an environment that was too dark to see more than an outline. Get training on appropriate use of hand held lights and/or install a centrally controlled home-lighting system. Equally, if you do shoot from ambush for some particular reason, better defensive loads,like CorBon, use powders that mitigate flash significantly. Still kinda bright.

2) Report won't do much at the time, especially since you're the one making "Boom!" As stated, later you'll feel like you're listening to evyeryone/everything while sitting on the bottom of a pool.

$250-500, depending on materials, caliber, etc.. I don't know if PA is a "can can" state, but I believe so. County SO signs off for you, application & tax to the ATF...