The "Hearing Protection Act" aims to significantly alter the federal regulation of firearm silencers. Its primary objective is to remove silencers from the definition of firearms under the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA), effectively deregulating them from the stringent NFA requirements. This change means that individuals acquiring or possessing silencers would no longer be subject to the NFA's specific registration and licensing mandates, instead being treated under the general provisions of Chapter 44 of Title 18, United States Code. To further implement this deregulation, the bill requires the destruction of all existing NFA records related to silencers by the Attorney General within 365 days of enactment. It also includes a provision to preempt state and local laws that impose special taxes (beyond general sales tax), marking, recordkeeping, or registration requirements on firearm silencers. This preemption ensures a more uniform federal approach to silencer regulation across the country. While removing silencers from NFA control, the bill introduces new regulatory aspects. It amends Title 18 of the U.S. Code to redefine "firearm silencer" and "firearm muffler" and subjects them to certain existing federal firearm regulations, such as those governing transfers by licensed dealers. Additionally, the bill imposes a new 10% manufacturer's excise tax on firearm silencers and mufflers, applying to articles sold by manufacturers, producers, or importers. This tax would be distinct from the NFA transfer tax, which would no longer apply.