Understanding the Impact of AR-15 Ammunition on Ear Soft Tissue

Firearms, ammunition, and gunshot injuries are complex topics that require specialized knowledge. In this article, we aim to provide insights into the potential damage caused to soft tissue, such as the ear, when struck by a round of typical ammunition, such as that fired from an AR-15 or similar weapon, at a range of about 150 yards. We will draw on the expertise of a former Special Forces medic and Vietnam veteran to illustrate these points.

Assumptions and Scenarios

The exact impact point on the ear is unclear. The bullet might have grazed the edge without penetration or might have actually penetrated. If penetration occurred, the bullet would have left a possible 1/4-inch diameter hole. Due to the minimal tissue in the ear area, an expanding bullet, such as a hollow point, would not have enough resistance to expand and cause significant damage. The bullet would most likely pass through.

Minimal Tissue Impact

The ear is a soft, thin, and flexible area, making it a less damaging target for a .223 caliber bullet. The primary damage a bullet typically causes is through the violent transfer of kinetic energy upon impact. In the case of an ear, the low mass and flexibility of the tissue mean that very little kinetic energy would be imparted to the ear.

Case Study: Near-Miss Injury

A former Special Forces medic and Vietnam veteran, who has treated numerous gunshot victims, shares a memorable experience that illustrates the minimal damage an ear might sustain from a bullet:

He once treated a VC soldier assaulted by an M-16 at close range, about 20-30 yards. The bullet hit the soldier just below and outboard of the kneecap, seemingly causing only a small wound about the size of a pencil eraser. However, during the quick examination, the medic noticed a missing piece of the soldier's knee. The entry wound was minimal, but the actual impact revealed a cavity nearly the size of a softball, with the lower leg attached only by a few strips of flesh. This experience underscores how a small entry wound can be misleading about the true extent of the injury.

Energy Transfer and Minimal Damage

The transfer of energy from the bullet to the body is key to understanding the outcome. In the case of an ear, the low mass of the tissue means that very little energy is transferred, resulting in minimal damage.

While a rifle can have significant energy, the amount of damage depends on the target. A bullet hitting a hard target like paper or thin wood leaves a perfectly round hole due to the minimal resistance. Soft, flexible tissue like the ear would result in a similar, bullet-sized hole, regardless of the bullet's speed or power.

Therefore, if the bullet was only a graze, the wound would likely appear as a wide cut or groove rather than a perfectly round hole. The severity of the injury is directly proportional to the bullet's deceleration in the target.

Accurate understanding and interpretation of gunshot wounds require specialized knowledge and experience. This article aims to provide a general overview and does not replace professional medical advice.