[Kreyzhorse]

It's loud. Very Loud. Firing it without hearing protection, especially in a car or home will most certainly cause hearing damage. That said, just about any handgun fired in the same situation will also cause damage.

Personally, if you shoot it well and it's reliable, I wouldn't avoid using it in a self defense situation. One or two shots might cause some hearing damage but it won't cause significant damage.

I've shot lots of guns in my 20s without hearing protection. I hunt and I also played guitar so I've been around a lot of loud noises and I'm now in my mid 40s with some hearing damage. I can't blame it all on shooting though and I think it's a cumulative effect.

If you are comfortable with your .357 I wouldnt change based on the report of the gun. Worse case, you shoot .38s instead of .357 although a .38 can also cause hearing damage.