Hearing loss is common from a bunch of different public sector jobs. Many in my family are/were firefighters and the long term effect of sirens is very detrimental. I imagine the same is true for police, especially when you add in gun fire.
That said, suppressors should be considered a safety device for both civilians and the military. We let the entertainment industry paint a false picture of suppressors and, even worse, legislate using that incorrect information.
Instead of spending $37 billion dollars on the next experimental aircraft that may or may not be used, how about taking that money and invest in our soldiers health. Of course there is not enough profit in it but in a perfect world we could offer a can to each soldier to use in an applicable situation. It doesn't need to be long, just big enough to take the crack out of it. One of my favorite attachment systems was the three lug on my MP5. It just snapped on and was completely secure, though I don't know how it would stand up to larger calibers.
An even better idea, we have the technology to have electronic ear plugs that filter sound. They amplify what you need to hear and suppress what you don't. Plus they are small enough to go unnoticed and stay out of the way. This would offer protection from a whole range of damaging noises, not just gunfire.
That said, suppressors should be considered a safety device for both civilians and the military. We let the entertainment industry paint a false picture of suppressors and, even worse, legislate using that incorrect information.
Instead of spending $37 billion dollars on the next experimental aircraft that may or may not be used, how about taking that money and invest in our soldiers health. Of course there is not enough profit in it but in a perfect world we could offer a can to each soldier to use in an applicable situation. It doesn't need to be long, just big enough to take the crack out of it. One of my favorite attachment systems was the three lug on my MP5. It just snapped on and was completely secure, though I don't know how it would stand up to larger calibers.
An even better idea, we have the technology to have electronic ear plugs that filter sound. They amplify what you need to hear and suppress what you don't. Plus they are small enough to go unnoticed and stay out of the way. This would offer protection from a whole range of damaging noises, not just gunfire.