Oh wow, I totally disagree...no way am I am giving up my sense of hearing as some thug creeps through my home intent on no good. I wanna hear the shuffle of his feet; the bump against the picture on the wall; the nervousness in his last breath...
Ear protection is for the range; hearing is essential in a potential confrontation. Please re-think this.
I said electronic hearing protection. That way not only can you hear before any shots are fired, but afterwards as well. I wouldn't risk my life to try to get hearing protection, but I would use them if they were there and gave me not only protection but an advantage.