On the subject of noise:
Where you put the hearing protection is entirely up to you. Put it on the muzzle, put it on the outside of your ears, or put it inside your ears. BUT PUT IT SOMEWHERE. EVERY TIME YOU SHOOT.
Hearing loss is permanent and cumulative. Every time you take another whack at it, that's it, it's gone and stays gone. With all the money we spend on the rest of our gear, not spending a reasonable amount on preserving and protecting one of your five senses is just silly. Some pretty good and practical electronic devices are available for less than the cost of the last barrel I bought...