How did cannoneers and musketeers protect there ears? I'm doing some living history stuff involving cannon fire and that (as well as other things in my life) are starting to lead to tinnitus. What were some methods that they would use in approximately colonial times?
As a former reenactor with bad ears, I empathize. As far as I can tell, soldiers, then and now, have not used hearing protection on anything like a regular basis. Soldiers (and their officers) tend to be more concerned about surviving the immediate firefight or battle, which requires the ability to hear orders and communicate. If anything was used, I would imagine rags, cotton, lint, etc were used as improvised ear plugs.
You can pick up modern flesh colored earplugs that you mold to fit. Trim so they aren't visible and keep your hearing for life. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/2099196673/radians-do-it-yourself-custom-molded-ear-plug-kit-nrr-26-db-silicone