This is an interesting thread. I wear in-ear foam plugs and over ear muffs when shooting today. However, when younger, we didn't wear anything when hunting. Days in the field dove hunting were when I noticed it. I have found that after a day of that, I would come away with a headache, irritable and generally feel like I was in a fog. My ears felt like they had pressure on them. Sleep was the only thing that seem to help with it going away.
I still feel it today when at the range sitting beside someone that has a muzzle brake beside me. The concussion wears me down quick. Dividers between benches do not seem to mitigate it. From what I understand, your head takes the concussion even with ear protection on. It's just the way it is. I'd be curious to know if it's still felt after being behind a supressed rifle.
