I've taken one shot at a big game animal without ear protection. (A .338 with a muzzle brake) I heard a thump when the rifle went off and a CRACK when the bullet hit the elk. My ears rang for several minutes. I now wear foam ear plugs loosely inserted (or properly inserted with electronic muffs over my ears). You don't get used to the noise; you get DEAF.
When hunting prairie dogs, I always protect my ears.
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