For one of those who served his country when ear defenders were never issued, I can tell you, its alright being macho about these things when you are a young soldier, but when you reach a certain age, you wish you had taken "reasonable" steps to safe guard something as precious as your hearing.
The SLR was a very unforgiving rifle in many respects, but with its distinct ring after a round had been fired, especially by those inconsiderate b****** close to you, it has had its toll.
I remember lads on the mortars just placing their hands over their ears everytime they fired too, these lads who I see often have to have so much repeated or shouted more loudly to be heard. Even in their 50's/60's the macho bit comes out and they don't want to wear the hearing aids on offer today to compensate
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