Quoted:
Foam plugs only! Can't stand those huge ear muffs. Even then I only use them with larger calibers, 7.62x39 or 223. Never need them for 22LR or my .38 Rossi lever.
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Are you saying that you don't use ANY protection when shooting your .22LR or .38 Rossi?
That is most unwise. Although these rounds may not be painfully loud to you, even a .22 out of a long barrel is loud enough that repeated exposure will damage your hearing over time. And you don't get that back.
If you want to be really sure, get a sound level meter with a peak hold function and use it when shooting. If the meter reads more than 100 dB peaks, you should definitely have hearing protection. I'd lower the threshold to 85 or 90 dB myself, because I really LIKE having sensitive, high performance ears. Being a music lover, I want to continue to get maximum enjoyment out of that hobby.
I wear ear protection even when mowing the lawn or when operating almost any power tool, and I run a lot of them as I use them when I build guitars, which is my main line of work.
CJ