I am 53 years old and have had hearing aids both ears for the last 15 years due to gun fire. Both in the military and my shooting, hunting. I am an avid shooter and have been for years but my stupidity of being macho cost me my hearing, with out my hearing aids I am stone deaf. My ears ring constantly 24-7 non stop you never get used to it and its not pleasant. The ringing is nerve damage and cant be corrected. I always thought that I needed to hear the game well even with my hearing aids I cant hear the game unless its really loud and then I cant tell which direction its coming from. Definately use hearing protection or you wont have hearing to protect.