Researching Combat Ear Protection

I was watching a video of The AK Guy, as one does, when it dawned on me that the characters in Boudica and The Butcher should probably have some ear protection in combat situations. For example, in the draft of Chapter 1 “Harvest of Blood,” I should add during the next edit round that the medic removes the injured rebel soldiers ear plugs and tries to test whether the unconscious woman responds to sounds and other efforts to rouse her.

I asked Copilot for some help in better understanding the issue. Note that Copilot, without me tell it, understood that my question was about a fictional story and the two main characters from that story.

Question: Combat gear question, ear protection?

Absolutely, ear protection is crucial in combat scenarios to prevent hearing damage from loud noises like gunfire and explosions. Here are some common types of ear protection used by military personnel:

Earplugs: These are often used for their simplicity and effectiveness. They can be foam, triple-flange, or custom-molded to fit the ear.

Earmuffs: These provide a higher level of protection and can be used in conjunction with earplugs for maximum noise reduction.

Tactical Communication and Protective Systems (TCAPS): These advanced devices not only protect hearing but also enhance situational awareness by amplifying quiet sounds and reducing loud noises.

Helmet Inserts: Integrated into combat helmets, these provide protection while allowing for communication and situational awareness.

For your novel, you might consider equipping The Butcher and his troops with TCAPS for their advanced capabilities, while Boudica might use simpler earplugs or earmuffs, reflecting her more resource-constrained situation.

Learn more: 1. mysafehearing.com2. thegunzone.com 3. www.3m.com 4. taskandpurpose.com5. earstoday.com6. www.sordin.com7. www.ruckformiles.com