I cut a Rem 740 down to 19". I handload and found some powders noisier (blast) than others. So if you hand load, you can find a powder that does not cause that blast that hurts.
I have also noticed that my electronic ear muffs can be turned up so they actually amplify sound. In a hunting situation I often find I hear the animal long before I see it, so ordinary ear muffs or ear plugs would not be acceptable - but the electronics might be even better than bare ears.