Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/320907
But here's the kicker, this is something few people are aware of. Even if you get the best ear protection and then double up on both ear muffs and ear plugs, you still aren't stopping the hidden danger of hearing loss through bone conduction. This is the area where traditional protection completely fails you. Sound can be transmitted directly through the bones in your skull into your inner ear. Regular protection doesn't stop this transmission of vibration and the skull only dampens between 40 dB to 60 dB of it. This type of damage is referred to as concussive damage, and it is the secret culprit causing so much damage to military personal and law enforcement offi- cers. Unlike the average shooter, military and law enforcement personnel are far more likely to be involved in close-quarters combat. This means the concussive force from their firearms poses a much greater risk because of the close proximity. To give you an idea of how prevalent hearing damage is, 60 percent of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are suffering from hearing loss. This amounted to $1.1 billion in disability payments in 2011. It's not any better for police officers. In 2011 New York forced the retirement of police officers that wore hearing aids, many of whom needed hearing aids because of hearing loss received while working on the job. How do we address this oversight in protection? Concussive damage is a little trickier to deal with than sound wave damage. One notable solution is a muzzle device. You want something specially designed to direct the concussive force of the shot away from the shooter and ideally force it parallel with the bullet. This means the sound and bullet are traveling in the same direction. Understanding the different causes of hearing loss is the first step in keeping our military forces and police personnel safe. The second is making sure they are equipped with the proper education and tools to protect themselves. ■ Sean Bellis a freelance writer living in Florida. He received his B.A. in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication from the University of Central Florida. He has held several educa- tional leadership positions and works closely with the health and wellness industry. Questions can be sent to sean@roughcutwriting.com. Sergie A. Albino is a blogger and CEO of IROC Tactical, a firearms accessory company aiming to improve the shooting experience. He invites to your comments at www.IROCTactical.com. Improves ventilation, enhancing comfort, awareness and alertness. Light Tint DOT and TÜV approved Dark Tint TÜV approved Laser Measured for each application. FloorLiner ™ fully protects your carpet, keeping fluids and debris away from your feet. Custom-Fit for each application. Cargo Liner contains spills and dirt, while the textured fnish controls load shifting. Meets FMVSS302 and are TÜV approved. FloorLiner ™ Automotive Accessories Side Window Deflectors The most advanced interior floor protection available! Perfect for K-9 units, tactical units, or general purpose use! Call Our Law Enforcement Division Today 800-773-7787 WeatherTech.com ©2014 MacNeil IP LLC Cargo Liner Canadian Customers WeatherTech.ca European Customers WeatherTechEurope.com Regular, occupation shooters may require a greater level of protection Photos courtesy of Janel Norton LET_46-49_TalkingPoints0614 2.indd 47 5/20/14 1:49 PM