In the Field Historically accurate ear protection?

[Ronald C.]

I understand that a vast majority of soldiers didn't care about protecting their ears at all, but I would (if possible) like to get some earpro that's decently period accurate. The bright orange foam plugs are pretty garish. Any suggestions? Maybe just stuff some cotton in my ears?

 

[bankerpapaw]

Cotton would have been the only thing available, I would think.

 

[John Hartwell]

cotton and fingers

 

[CWLeadManiac]

I understand that a vast majority of soldiers didn't care about protecting their ears at all, but I would (if possible) like to get some earpro that's decently period accurate. The bright orange foam plugs are pretty garish. Any suggestions? Maybe just stuff some cotton in my ears?

I've seen things that say artillery crews would use the fabric packing, maybe cotton(?), that was used for cushioning for their artillery rounds in crates. I'm not sure if it cotton or some other material.

 

[Don Dixon]

Let's see...You want to protect your ears, but you want to use something that's period authentic that won't adequately protect your ears. LOL Look at some of the prior discussions on ear protection.

 

[RedRover]

There are flesh colored ear plugs that are not particularly visible.

If you must, consider just gluing some cotton on the outside ends of modern foam ear plugs.

 

[Biscoitos]

I understand that a vast majority of soldiers didn't care about protecting their ears at all, but I would (if possible) like to get some earpro that's decently period accurate. The bright orange foam plugs are pretty garish. Any suggestions? Maybe just stuff some cotton in my ears?

I recall reading that Confederate soldiers at Stones River picked scraps of unpicked cotton for their ears while running through a field under heavy artillery fire.

 

[Sowbelly and Hardtack]

History and development of hearing protection devices

Military need has spurred the invention of hearing protector since the times of Greek mythology. Earplugs were patented in 1864 and canal caps attached to

pubs.aip.org

"Military need has spurred the invention of hearing protector since the times of Greek mythology. Earplugs were patented in 1864 and canal caps attached to an adjustable headband in 1884 as protection for soldiers and sailors. Attempts to limit gunfire noise by mechanical devices commenced in 1905, leading to Mallock‐Armstrong plugs for use in the First World War. Disposable earplugs were patented in 1914 also. Systematic development of earplugs for forces during the Second World War culminated in the V‐51R. Leather flaps over the ears were supposed to protect the crews of military aircraft. The increased noise of jet engines led to the production of recognizable earmuffs, although the stiffness of the cushions required a strong headband to ensure a seal against the head. This caused a vicelike grip. The problem was overcome with the development of fluid‐filled cushions by Shaw in 1954. Progress has continued towards comfort and acceptability, with glass‐down appearing in the late 1950's, conformable foam plugs in the 1970's, and nonlinear electronic systems incorporated into muffs in the 1980's."

 

[Sowbelly and Hardtack]

Hearing loss and the Civil War? | Questions? Ask Here! No Stone Left Unturned!

Modern soldiers wear ear plugs and ear muffs to keep from losing their hearing. There is even a class action lawsuit about this. With out hearing protectors there must have been sufficient hearing loss among veterans. I have this image of a GAR meeting where most the men are hard of hearing...

civilwartalk.com

 

[Sowbelly and Hardtack]

Earplugs | Reenactors Forum - Join, Drill, See the Elephant

How many of you use them? I decided from day one that they were essential. I already have hearing damage from too many loud concerts as a teenager, and with all those guns and cannons going off, I didn't want to add to it. I've tried cotton, which is adequate and doesn't stand out as non-period...

civilwartalk.com

 

[Sowbelly and Hardtack]

Hearing protection for reenactors. | Reenactors Forum - Join, Drill, See the Elephant

So, the recent thread about soldiers and hearing loss has got me thinking, and seriously questioning my lack of protection. That and the fact that I already have chronic tinnitus and no doubt at least some level of hearing loss. So I decided to make this thread. How many of you use earplugs...

civilwartalk.com

 

[drezac]

I've seen things that say artillery crews would use the fabric packing, maybe cotton(?), that was used for cushioning for their artillery rounds in crates. I'm not sure if it cotton or some other material.

The packing material was tow. Which is defined as cotton waste.

 

[Bentonville]

One thing I tried just out shooting was something I read in the Caine Mutiny; chew on some toilet paper and stuff it in your ears. Unless they get right up on ya...

Or just do what I did: power tools, loud music and firearms.

(Did someone say something?)

 

[bayonet]

Back when I reenacted many guys used cotton that apparently was correct for the period.

 

[drezac]

I will say that being in command of our battery, I prefer the orange ear plugs since at a glance I can make sure everyone on the gun crew has hearing protection

 

[drezac]

Also keep in mind that any well stocked gun store should have flesh colored hearing protectors that will blend in

 

[DixieRifles]

Any suggestions? Maybe just stuff some cotton in my ears?

I was just pondering this question the other day. Im sure the artillery guys used something to plug their ears— cotton is the obvious.

I have an appointment to visit and Ear-Eyes-Throat Dr this week after going to see an Audiologist for an ear test. Back in December, I had a slight accident when shooting my .50 cal Hawken—- without any ear protection. The Audiologist said both ears had same readings but I have an odd sensation in my Right ear. Certain frequencies causes pain.
My point: Use your ear protection.

 

[CWLeadManiac]

I would think that flesh colored sound attenuating plugs would be best. They block noises over a certain decimal level but allow you to hear normal conversation. When it comes to your hearing, I think it's much better to wear hearing protection than to be period correct.

 

[CWLeadManiac]

One thing I tried just out shooting was something I read in the Caine Mutiny; chew on some toilet paper and stuff it in your ears. Unless they get right up on ya...

Or just do what I did: power tools, loud music and firearms.

(Did someone say something?)

Helicopters and firearms left me with tinnitus and a definite loss of hearing. And I think standing in front of the amps at concerts when I was a youngster didn't help much either. (But it was ALL really fun!)

 

[Bentonville]

Helicopters and firearms left me with tinnitus and a definite loss of hearing. And I think standing in front of the amps at concerts when I was a youngster didn't help much either. (But it was ALL really fun!)

I have tinnitus myself. Guns and loud music. I just started playing again, plan on playing some shows too and I have to 'feel' myself sing if that makes any sense. And it really is fun in front that many watts.

The Eustachian tube in my left ear is under developed too which plays a part too. Throws me out of wack too.

Amd I never should have sold the 1911 and bought that .357. I should have my head, or maybe just the ear examined.