In article ,
(Jake McGuire) wrote:

"Paul J. Adam" wrote in message
...
Trouble is, maintaining both cohesion and tempo is really important in
FIBUA (or rather OBUA as it's now called - we conduct Operations in
Built Up Areas, we aren't necessarily just fighting there) which means a
lot of voice communication: it's hard enough to hear shouted commands
from downstairs or around a corner as is, without ear plugs in place.
So, you risk ringing ears and partial HF deafness later on, in order to
keep control of your fireteam during the action.

I wonder how much earplugs actually hurt communication in OUBA.

I know that on my motorcycle, while wearing earplugs under my helmet
means I can't hear subtle changes in engine noise, if I don't have
them in I'm noticeably more fatigued and less alert after as little as
15 minutes. I could easily imagine that the slight decrease in
hearing on average could be outweighed by the large increase in
hearing during the five seconds after shots being fired.


I have electronic earmuffs that allow (can even enhance) normal
hearing, but cut loud noises with an electronic limiter.

I have seen the same thing available in custom made earplugs
looking similar to a hearing aid.

Thus the issue looks less a problem today than in times past.
Ain't engineering great?

--
Harry Andreas
Engineering raconteur