High intensity hazardous noise can cause permanent hearing loss. For many Soldiers who are routinely exposed to hazardous noise, this can cause progressive hearing loss, and threaten their combat readiness. Hearing is a 360 degree warning sense; it is essential for communication and for detection of sound at a distance. Poor hearing will degrade a Soldiers performance. Successful completion of a mission demands the best from everyone. When Soldier's preserve the ability to hear low-intensity sounds and speech we optimize readiness and Soldier survivability. The most potent and precious munition in the Army is the individual Soldier. Army Regulation 40-5  requires an Army Hearing Program. Department of the Army Pamphlet 40-501  provides guidance for implementing it. There are seven basic components of good hearing conservation.

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