What is one essential safety equipment to wear when firing a muzzleloader?

Hearing protection is essential when firing a muzzleloader due to the loud noise generated during discharge. Muzzleloaders, like other firearms, produce a significant amount of sound that can cause hearing damage with repeated exposure. The blast of a gunshot can reach decibel levels that are harmful over time, so wearing earplugs or earmuffs is crucial for protecting your hearing.

Other options, while they offer varying degrees of protection, do not address the immediate risk presented by the noise. Safety gloves might be useful for handling certain elements during preparation but do not provide direct protection for the ears. Leather boots can protect your feet but do not mitigate noise exposure. A face shield could protect against potential debris or embers but, again, does not serve the specific function of safeguarding hearing. Therefore, hearing protection stands out as the most critical safety equipment when firing a muzzleloader.