Veteran_ Resource_ book_2014

of pressure placed upon the ear can damage the sensitive hair cells of the inner
ear. Once damaged, these cells cannot regrow or repair, so any damage incurred is
permanent. It is important to note that the further an individual is from the noise
source the lower a sound will be when it reaches the ear, so decibels are not
exact measurements.
The following are decibel
levels associated with common
military noises. These are
averages and will vary with
distance, conditions and types
of equipment.
OBJECT
Recoilless Rifle
Heavy Artillery
Antitank Gun
Antitank Missile
Grenade (@50 Ft)
Pistol Fire
Rifle Fire
Machine Gun
Jet Engine (@100 M)
APC
Tank
Helicopter
Cargo Transport
Ambulance
DECIBEL
190
185
182
166
164
157
157
155
140
120
115
105
88
85
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HEARING LOSS?
Symptoms of hearing loss will vary depending on its cause. If an individual is
suffering from hearing loss as a symptom of a disease, other symptoms may help
determine its cause. A veteran who is using medication to treat a disease and
notices a hearing loss should consult a doctor to determine whether changing to
another medication or a lower dosage is appropriate. The main symptom of noiseinduced
hearing loss is tinnitus or a sudden decrease in sound perception. With
head trauma, the symptoms can be the same as noise-induced hearing loss or a
faint popping noise which signals damage to the ear drum.
76