this is why I'm not a "huge fan of the 357 for self defense... don't get me wrong, I have 4 - 357 revolvers, just none of them are self defense revolvers...
I have a tendency to use bigger slower moving bullets for self defense, for this exact reason... 44 special is my favorite
I do partially agree with the thought that under stress the mind blocks out that kind of pain... I did use a 357 for self defense against an animal once while in the woods, & I don't remember the pain... but also think it'll still / can damage your hearing, even if you don't feel the pain... I'd hate to have to light one off in a 10ft X 10ft bedroom some night