I'm 82 years old and my hearing is still fairly good after 4 years in the Marine Corps and untold shotgun and rifle shots without any protection at all. I have a high frequency loss, which is the result of the shots, but it's not disasterous. I worked for Beltone the hearing Aid company for many years and the Audiologist there told me that close up rounds can damage your hearing. If I had to do it over, even though I'm not too bad off, I would wear ear plugs as much as possible. Especially in a Waterfowl Blind, where your partner is right next to you.

Better to be over the hill than under it.