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Two months ago I made the argument for hearing protection (the high tech variety, not the garbage they hand you when you board a C-17) over additional pounds of armor.
The noise in Iraq is unrelenting - especially if you're at a camp with aviation assets. (Not to mention combat and other explosions.) And plugs that block all sound aren't the answer. But fat chance the media would recognize a real and widespread threat. In fact, their emphasis on armor, armor, and armor ensures other issues will never be addressed.Today I'm happy to report the Dallas Morning News proves me wrong about that "media" part:
Rates Of Hearing Loss Climbing For TroopsRead all of both. Hearing loss is a threat to all troops in Iraq - combat or not. The noise from aviation assets, exploding captured ordnance, heavy machinery, and occasional incoming rounds plagues almost every camp - it's 24/7, unrelenting. Container walls do little to dampen the sound, and tent fabric does less.Review: 1 in 4 returning from Iraq may be suffering damage
WASHINGTON – The Army's chief of staff, Gen. Peter Schoomaker, wears hearing aids. Asked why once, the crusty special operations veteran grinned and said: "Guns, helicopters, demolition – 36 years of it."
Gen. Schoomaker's faulty hearing is far from rare in the military. And experts say the war in Iraq has led to epidemic rates of hearing loss among troops.
Of course, nothing will be done until some Senator makes a headline grab. (Hopefully I'm wrong about that too...)
