Deafness Resulting from Gunfire and Explosions

“Permanent” Deafness Due to Gunfire

“…2. It has been stated (Suggit, 1943) that " abrupt " high tone loss characterizes the deafness caused by a single explosion whereas the " gradual " loss with increase in frequency characterizes that due to slight concussions in series over a long period. I have been able to find no evidence for so rigid an assertion.…”

Gun blast and the use of moulded ear defenders

“…Other patients, who were complaining of severe pain in the ears on ring, as the result of a previous blast injury, found that cotton wool or rubber defenders would not prevent it. Suggit 1 and Taylor 2 also consider that cotton wool does not provide full protection; and the latter refers to moulded and soft rubber defenders as being more ef cient. The ideal defender should protect the middle and inner ear from blast and excessive noise, but should not interfere unduly with the hearing of orders given directly by mouth, or, through head phones or loud speakers.…”