Self-defense, hearing loss, and your liability

[tobor]

I've been reading this evening about hearing loss, as it pertains to firearm use. The potential to damage one's hearing in defending one's self by using a firearm is very real, and quite likely too. What are your thoughts on this?

Also, what about liability for damaging a bystander's hearing? Say I am being mugged on a subway train, and I use my firearm. What about the liability from damaging the hearing of those on the train?

[TonyF]

Originally Posted by tobor

I've been reading this evening about hearing loss, as it pertains to firearm use. The potential to damage one's hearing in defending one's self by using a firearm is very real, and quite likely too. What are your thoughts on this?

You'll probably never have to fire a volume of rounds in self defense that would ultimately damage your hearing. A confined space with a rifle may be another matter.

Also, what about liability for damaging a bystander's hearing? Say I am being mugged on a subway train, and I use my firearm. What about the liability from damaging the hearing of those on the train?

The PA Supreme Court has held that one cannot be held liable for injuries others may sustain while reasonably attempting to defend yourself. You can't start "spraying and praying" but mounting a reasonable defense brings some measure of protection from civil suits.

[tobor]

Originally Posted by TonyF

You'll probably never have to fire a volume of rounds in self defense that would ultimately damage your hearing. A confined space with a rifle may be another matter.



The PA Supreme Court has held that one cannot be held liable for injuries others may sustain while reasonably attempting to defend yourself. You can't start "spraying and praying" but mounting a reasonable defense brings some measure of protection from civil suits.

Didn't know that about PA. I wonder what other states are like.
Do you have any references for the hearing issue? I did a search, and this paper has to do with hearing damage at ranges by shooters using protection.

http://www.hearingreview.com/issues/...2007-03_06.asp

Interesting discussion about "pulses," using foam earplugs and over-the-head, and studies that have been done at police ranges.

[TonyF]

Originally Posted by tobor

Didn't know that about PA. I wonder what other states are like. Do you have any references for the hearing issue?

Not about hearing loss. It was about bystanders getting shot from errant rounds.

[tobor]

Here's another interesting article. REad towards the bottom about using earplug AND over the head, together.

I wonder if anyone here does that?

[LastManOut]

Permanent partial hearing loss and/or tinnitus from any gunshot noise, even a .22, is a real possibility and extremely annoying. Obviously during a SD situation it is the lesser concern, but anyone that practices without hearing protection is foolish.

The only upside about wearing hearing aids is they will reduce the damaging concussion from a loud sudden noise, some of the new digital units will actually cut out similar to the digital ear-muffs.

[pex]

Originally Posted by tobor

I've been reading this evening about hearing loss, as it pertains to firearm use. The potential to damage one's hearing in defending one's self by using a firearm is very real, and quite likely too. What are your thoughts on this?

Also, what about liability for damaging a bystander's hearing? Say I am being mugged on a subway train, and I use my firearm. What about the liability from damaging the hearing of those on the train?

Please, take this all the way to the state and federal legislatures. We want sound suppressor owners to be seen as 'sensitive to the public's health' instead of 'spy-assassins'.

[tobor]

Originally Posted by pex

Please, take this all the way to the state and federal legislatures. We want sound suppressor owners to be seen as 'sensitive to the public's health' instead of 'spy-assassins'.

Are we allowed to OC these? If I succeed, we'll all have to buy new holster!

[pex]

Originally Posted by tobor

Are we allowed to OC these? If I succeed, we'll all have to buy new holster!

Of course. You just can't use them in self defense because a jury will skewer you.

[MrUgly]

Originally Posted by pex

Of course. You just can't use them in self defense because a jury will skewer you.

Actually, I was told this past weekend that having a suppressor on your home defense pistol is a darned good idea. In the event you need to fire your weapon inside, you don't want to ruin your ears. Not sure about carrying one, I can imagine the local constabulary would get agitated.

I think Dickson City might have been worse had PaPatriot had a suppressor (even with paperwork) fitted on his OC gun.