I agree that the sound intensity at the crown of the muzzle is the same with or without a muzzlebrake--

The problem is the redirection of the sound closer to the person shooting the rifle and its intensity is related to the square of the distance from the max radiating area of the sound source.

Perhaps some decrease in the sound effect of the brake on the shooter can be done by angling the ports to the front.The only true solution is some ported exotic silencing system as noted on a previous thread. Doubt many folks are going to pay for that and register with the ATF as well!!!

Still the hearing damage from shooting standard rifles and handguns will occur and is cumulative and irreversible.This is obviously worse with rifles with short barrels and handguns!!

When its gone its gone!!!

Some type of electronic hearing protection may need to be considered even with unbraked guns!!