Soldiers In Need Of Better Ear Protection
Thousands of US soldiers suffer hearing loss each year most of them in training because
the Army doesn't supply protection against the ear damaging noises of tanks, artillery, firing ranges and helicopters.
The Army can't give an exact number. This year, the extent of the problem is now being studied.
Hearing loss prevents around 250,000 men from entering the battle, reports one of the Army's top hearing specialist.
A study done in Fort Jackson where men lost their jobs due to their hearing loss lead this chief audiologist to make this estimate. Such a move requires a hearing loss rated at 113.
Around 50 percent of those permanently assigned to Fort Jackson had this rating. A little more than 20 percent had hearing loss ratings of 112.
The surgeon general's office advised the use of ear plugs for each Army recruit back in 1963. No one followed this recommendation.
Individually fitting earplugs to each recruit who were given earplugs was not done. It was found out that wearing ear plugs at the rifle ranges of Fort Dix NJ was not strictly enforced.
The specialists added that use of ear plugs were discouraged by officials despite the adverse effects it may have on a person's hearing. The use of ear plugs is now being required by fort officials, thanks to the report issued by hearing specialists.
Partial loss of hearing is something accepted matter of factly by the men at Fort Knox. A soldier complains that wearing earplugs during a cannon fire is like having a stick poking at your eardrum.
Around 832 rounds were fired in a training session at Fort Knox that included the trainees and the instructors. 16 hours later, a reporter who was present could still hear the ringing in his ears.
Experts say more protection against ear damage would be forded if the tankers used sound reducing ear muffs like those worn by civilian airport crews.
Those who work in helicopter flight and ground crews are susceptible to hearing loss as well, says the commander of an aero medical research unit at Fort Rucker.
The present helicopter helmet does not do the job of screening noise very well. Since Navy helmets are of better quality, they should take the place of Army helmets.
The Army said the recommended helmet didn't provide enough protection for helicopter crews in the event of a crash even though the Navy thinks it does. The Canadian air force claims the same thing.
Since those at the Army tank corps use only repainted football helmets, he recommends that the same helmet be used by them as well.
The ear plugs issued by the Army don't seem to be comfortable for soldiers. They're more willing to substitute cigarette filters in place of ear plugs.
These substitutes, though comfortable, are not effective protective gear.
by: John Chambers
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