Gentlemen,
In firing .357 full-house loads both inside and outside with no hearing protection (no other choice, obviously) I experienced 'auditory exclusion' and noticed no damage whatsoever. I understand that these days the .357 Sig is the kind of noise/muzzle blast under most conditions.
My shots were from a 4" model 19 - YEARS ago.
Just my perception. My ears are shot from being a range armorer on a 106 MM recoiless rifle range in the Corps from 68-70, regardless.
Semper fi,
Dave Swaffield