imported post
True, any loud noise can damage your hearing.Ear plugs should be used for any noise within that threshold in my opinion.
I've been exposed to some loud noises, including about 50 9mm without ear plugs once due to my stupidity. (Sitting next to a drummer in a band for a few years didn't help either.)
I don't have much hearing loss, but I do have a constant ringing in my ears which does make it hard to concentrate at times.
I can't say for sure that it was exposure to loud noises asI've also had ear infections in the past, but I know that exposure to loud noises can cause such things.
I suppose it is true that the amount of hearing loss you are likely to accrue in a defensive shooting is not all that much, but it still sucks that some small degree of hearing loss is probable.