I put it to you that no high power, centre-fire suppressor is hearing safe. Damage can occur from an accumulation of sound as much as from one loud impulse. Workplace safety limits are around 80db for constant noise and anything above this will eventually damage unprotected ears. Multiple shots from any suppressed rifle above 80 will eventually damage unprotected hearing as much as a single shot that is 140 or above. Whether you end up with the 5" or 9" TBAC makes little difference to your ears if you are not wearing ear protection with both.
To my mind, one or two shots when hunting is worth it to leave the muffs behind. But at the range shooting you may as well put them on. You will thank yourself when you get old and cranky, like me!
I see Ray Sanchez, the TBAC employee in that video testing the different length suppressors (recent thread) was wearing black moulded hearing protection underneath that hoodie.
To my mind, one or two shots when hunting is worth it to leave the muffs behind. But at the range shooting you may as well put them on. You will thank yourself when you get old and cranky, like me!
I see Ray Sanchez, the TBAC employee in that video testing the different length suppressors (recent thread) was wearing black moulded hearing protection underneath that hoodie.