Johnwilliamson, sorry but I've just got to reply to your comment that the US Military doesn't care about hearing protection. While I cannot relate to your buddy's experience, I attended Basic/AIT in 1990 and have been an Army Officer since 1992... and hearing protection has ALWAYS been stressed any time live fire was conducted. So much, that at times I felt that the establishment was getting a little carried away... I mean, ear plugs in a case was a required part of my uniform back when we still wore BDUs. Today, I rarely see anyone with an earplug case hung from ACU, but then again, I haven't been to a range in 15 years that the organization running it did not have a large box full of foam earplugs and a Safety NCO badgering everyone to use them.
One experience, though, that while it was a lesson in hearing protection... it probably did not have the blessing of the Infantry School: During a class during my Infantry Officer Basic Course we were being taught call for fire procedures. When my platoon arrived, we were told to get into the bleachers and then the instructor began his presentation. We all noticed the M109 155mm howitzer parked 50 yard in front of us.... and I guess we all thought it was a prop for the class. When the instructor noted that this particular howitzer is in a posture which you do NOT want, that being the barrel depressed to zero mils elevation in preparation for firing canister at oncoming enemy infantry.... his presentation was rudely interrupted by the loudest boom we had ever heard: his next remark was, "oh yeah, I was just about to tell you.... hearing protection is required on this range". Great lesson... but still,
thanks a lot!
back on topic though, my hearing is tested every couple of years, and I am showing some signs of hearing loss. While I am certain that my government has my best interests at heart, I am equally sure that they want to limit future VA claims as best as possible.