Any time you fire a gun with out hearing protection you damage your hearing a little you may not notice it right a way but you do. The short barrel handguns are even worse then rifles.
What I do is I have a set of Pro ears predator earmuffs. and when I am in the woods with a loaded firearm I have them on.
They amplify the sounds around em and when a load noise is heard they shut off and block the sounds. when I am walking with them on I can hear every step I make so I am more quiet then I would be with out them. I can hear deer walking up on me, After the shot I can hear the deer fall and kicking.
I lost too much of my hearing in the Corps, and am really thinking these may be the way to go. Have you tried the "cheaper" versions, and, if so, did you think the Pro Ears were worth the extra money? My ears are worth it if they work.
