I will say even though suppressed 5.56 may be more comfortable at 14.5"+ barrel lengths, but the supersonic crack is still 160+ dB and can cause hearing loss. An individual's pain threshold or hearing loss may cause them not to notice but it is still doing damage. Even with some of the leading cans that measure in the low 130s at the muzzle is still in the low 140s at the ear. Wear ear pro! Effects are CUMULATIVE and permanent

About the only time you're escaping the damage range is with a suppressed bolt action .223 with a longer barrel while shooting outdoors. I realize its apples and oranges comparing a bolt gun and an AR though