I have lost most of my hearing, in some part due to my time in the Army where we wore plastic plugs that offered little if any protection. Besides basic training, I was a firearms instructor for a while.
For the last 40 years I have always worn double protection. Soft foam plugs with high quality muffs. This combination works well for most shooting situations. Just don't try to extend the life of the foam plugs, as they hardened, they lose their protection.
The problem arises shooting next to guys with muzzle brakes, the blast is so bad at our clubs with semi-auto's that I pack up and either move, if possible or leave if one sets up next to me.
For the last 40 years I have always worn double protection. Soft foam plugs with high quality muffs. This combination works well for most shooting situations. Just don't try to extend the life of the foam plugs, as they hardened, they lose their protection.
The problem arises shooting next to guys with muzzle brakes, the blast is so bad at our clubs with semi-auto's that I pack up and either move, if possible or leave if one sets up next to me.