One other discussion point — SBRs. Bracken explained that many have not considered the implications of firing an HG or AR in an enclosed space (house or car). This will cause permanent hearing loss, even deafness. SBRs have even greater muzzle blast and greater potential for damage on unprotected ears. He doesn’t understand the popularity of SBRs. Military operators employ them suppressed not naked.
Bracken recommends plugs that can be inserted one hand at a time. Situational dynamics will indicate whether muffs or plugs are even feasible. I took a “Street Survival” course from James Jarrett years ago. The unit on carjackings used a trainer vehicle with no windshield or side windows. Even when muffed it was excruciatingly painful hearingwise to fire a HG within the vehicle. Compare that to a bedroom with low ceilings and the blast from an unsuppressed AR. This compelled me to make hearing protection available throughout my home and to suppress my PDW.
Out and about I always carry plugs, even though their NRR is not as effective as muffs — better than nothing.
Abbreviations:
SBR — short barreled rifle
HG — Hand gun
PDW — personal defensive weapon
NRR — noise reduction rating