Well Sir apparently I followed in your footsteps, as did quite a few I know. I'm sure back in your military days things were different. Imagine how much of your hearing you'd have left if you'd been wearing protection the whole time. If you ever get to the point that firing a rifle, with or without a brake, doesn't bother your hearing then the permanent collateral damage is already set and you will only keep making it worse.I cant shoot muzzle brakes because my hearing was ruined while in the military and I have severe tinnitus! I found a gunsmith that makes a brake that sends the noise away from me and that solved the problem ! I wear custom ear plugs for targets and hunting
I have somewhat of a device that helps keep the noise from coming back at me too, a suppressor.