In the ranges that I have been to, it is manditory to wear Eye AND
Ear protection before shooting commences. Infact, ALL shooters have to step behind the firing line with weapons unloaded and open until everyone has the above two conditions satisfied... only then do people approach the benches to load their weapons and open fire.
But now that I think about it, BC_K is right. The Range officers and gun owners are all idiots, they don't need hearing protection, they'll be fine!
BC_K, have you ever fired a full stripper clip of 8mm Mauser rounds through a Yugo Mauser? Or how about a full clip in an M44 Mosin? No? Hmmm....
