It's true.
"shrug"

smart way to use your MP3 and for good reasons too which is better but what about the people on the ship what happens to their hearing

It sounds like a great idea until they realize all they need is hearing protection. We can hope they aren't that smart.

If it causes permanent deafness that could easily be banned by the UN. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time in war and you won't hear anything for the rest of your life.

Also if it does cause permanent deafness, than they really could only use it once. They just have to send the infantry learning sign language after the last blast to take it out.

I think also if you are in the wrong place at the wrong tome you could go deaf. what about the crew on the ship? if they don't have their ear protection on they could go deaf for the wrong reasons

The article didn't state it, but I'm under the assumption that the soundwave is very precise, somewhat point-and-shoot. Probably not much in the way of collateral damage.

The technology described in this article is truly interesting. This technology uses sound waves for a very unique purpose. Not many people would think of defending their tankers with MP3 players, which is basically what is being done in the Gulf of Aden. This is a very clever way to ward off pirates, and it is exciting that there is more use for MP3 players than listening to music. Also, the most amazing part is that teams in the Gulf of Aden would not have to use lethal means of fighting pirates. There is a chance that permanent deafness may occur, but from what this article states, it does not seem that anyone would get close enough to the blast without proper ear protection. If it comes down to shooting the pirates with deadly guns or scaring them away with an extremely loud sonic blast, the latter should be chosen. Overall, this is a very interesting use for MP3 players, and this article is research is really great.

The technology described in this article is truly interesting. This technology uses sound waves for a very unique purpose. Not many people would think of defending their tankers with MP3 players, which is basically what is being done in the Gulf of Aden. This is a very clever way to ward off pirates, and it is exciting that there is more use for MP3 players than listening to music. Also, the most amazing part is that teams in the Gulf of Aden would not have to use lethal means of fighting pirates. There is a chance that permanent deafness may occur, but from what this article states, it does not seem that anyone would get close enough to the blast without proper ear protection. If it comes down to shooting the pirates with deadly guns or scaring them away with an extremely loud sonic blast, the latter should be chosen. Overall, this is a very interesting use for MP3 players, and this research is really great.

I'm sorry, but these pirates aren't innocent bystanders, or even demonstrators outside a G8 summit. They are murderous criminals. If they get on board, they won't be worried about causing hearing loss. They won't think twice about giving the crew an acute case of lead poisoning.
Anti-ship missiles are the answer!