[RLZIII]

Even with extensive training that simulates real-life encounters, one aspect that's different between the two involves hearing protection. While training it's understood the shooter should always wear hearing protection for obvious reasons. But in an actual encounter, one will likely not have any protection. While I have heard some good tips about having electronic protection for home defense, I haven't heard much in the way of being prepared for a "street" situation.

The sound of a shot, especially from a pistol that only sits a few feet from your face in a regular stance, can be quite shocking. What are some good ways to prepare for this shock so that one isn't thrown off-guard when one's life is in danger? Also, what about the difference between shooting inside versus shooting outside?

Any help in this department would be greatly appreciated.

[Mas Ayoob]

Auditory muting is the single most common altered perception phenomenon experienced by gunfight survivors, according to debriefings. Some do report deafening blast, but they don't seem to be frozen, stunned, or deterred by it. Knowing it might get awfully loud, and having the mental plan to do it anyway, beats trying to train in a way guaranteed to be damaging to your hearing.

best,
Mas