The damage that can be done to our ears while shooting can be permanent and can take only one shot to inflict. Of course, if we are taking that one shot to preserve our life or the life of an innocent, we are all willing to risk some hearing loss. But to risk that while training is simply foolish. There are many ways to protect our ears, but earmuffs are the most effective way in a high- or low-tech manner to keep out dangerous sounds and yet allow us to hear softer sounds clearly.