Questor, the electronic muffs ARE the way to go. You can hear all the things going on around you if you want to, or turn them off, for better concentration at the range. I have two pair of Midway's (Frankford Arsenal?) muffs, and I won't go anywhere without them. One is mono, one is stereo, and they've spoiled me rotten. I paid 30 bucks for each, and it's the best money I've spent on range equipment in several years. Try them, you'll like them!
Papajohn