I'm getting up in age now and last year picked up a Walker's Game Ear. I shoot left handed so i put it in my right ear (the sound is louder there IMO).
I can hear things now like I used to and it does muffle the shot. Just took a little time to get used to the "static".
I was afraid I wouldn't be able to determine the direction of the sound with amplification in only one ear bet this was not a problem.
I never wore ear protection when hunting before but now I do with the Walker's.
ps: want to shoot something loud, try a contender in 7x30 Waters, 30-30 or 35 that has a muzzlebrake. Do get a lovely ringing in your ears that lasts for hours.