A lot of this game is not intuitive. You're having a "Saving Private Ryan" moment.
Whenever you go "deaf," and the colors get washy, you're in "shock." Just wait a moment
for a control text message, or for things to go "normal." If you were in a vehicle, you
probably need to exit it using the "F" key (true in this case).

There are more such moments coming. At the end of the beach run, you will "die" and go
back to boot camp. It took me 10 tries to realize I wasn't doing anything wrong, and
another hour after boot camp to realize I hadn't been kicked back to the beginning of the
game (there's a new "continue game" option on the main menu that isn't really obvious once
you start playing).

Also, if you're just starting, do yourself a favor and stick to Medium or Easy mode, or
you'll turn your Garrand on yourself and blow your own brains out. :^)

Good luck!