The auricular nerves were damaged.

Large caliber ordinance was already ripping into the floor just in front of them. She grabbed his arm and shouted the best she could, “Do you know how ... to fire a weapon, Skully?”

Now with their backs to the den's mouth they sit, / Yet shoulder not all light from the dern pit.

Man hath his daily work of body or mind / Appointed, which declares his dignity, / And the regard of heav'n on all his ways; / While other animals unactive range, / And of their doings God takes no account.