Great topic!!
You have to love all those cop shows on TV that show some people involved in a gun fight going through two or more clips, then afterwards have a conversation like nothing ever happend!! Right!!!!
Many years ago when hunting for deer, I shot three times at a buck with a .44 mag from a treestand, and my hearing was shot for three days afterwards!! Since that day, plugs are with me always!! The blast from a revolver or pistol without any ear protection will, over time, make you deaf for sure whether you notice it or not.
Tuff call with a life or death situation and worrying about your ears. I would guess if you had the time, the electronic ear muffs would be best like mentioned above. I hope I never have to find out!!!!!