Given the technology we have available for so few bucks these days, anyone who hunts or practices shooting without earmuffs is a fool. I spent several years teaching cops to shoot at an indoor range, and my hearing will never be the same. Rounds like the 357 Magnum, 357 SIG, and 40S&W (especially when loaded with certain powders, like Power Pistol) have a far more harmful sound signature than rounds that operate at lower pressure. All my 357 guns have been retired from Home Defense roles, in favor of 45 ACP's. The noise is far less harsh, especially indoors. I also keep a pair of electronic muffs nearby, and if I hear a noise, they go on as soon as I grab the gun. All sounds are amplified up to about 85dB, then they shut off, so I can hear the burglar tiptoeing across the kitchen, but gunfire won't deafen me.

Technology is a wonderful thing...............when it works properly!