Readiness Through Hearing Conservation

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Readiness and Hearing Loss
Why is protecting your hearing so important?

General Information wants to remind you that hearing loss caused by loud noise becomes permanent and is not medically treatable. Impaired hearing can cause serious or fatal mistakes at work or in training and combat situations. Good hearing is critical to the success of the Army mission, both in offensive and defensive operations.

How do I know if I have or am experiencing hearing loss?

Early signs of hearing loss include ringing in the ears and speech sounds that are muffled. Speech and other sounds have to be louder to be heard or understood.

What does a Soldier with a high-frequency hearing loss miss in terms of readiness?

High pitched combat sounds for one! Hearing loss also affects the ability to detect sound at a distance, and diminishes awareness. The following diagrams illustrate how hearing loss affects combat readiness.

PRACTICALLY ALL NOISE-CAUSED HEARING LOSS OCCURS DURING WORK AND ROUTINE TRAINING EXERCISES!

How the Ear Works | FAQs | Hearing Protection | Hearing Testing | Hearing & Readiness
Earplugs Protect | Hearing Health Education | Hearing Main Page