i went a head and ordered the AT's based off everyone's reviews here. thanks for the suggestions!
sound wise, I hope you won't be let down and disappointed. Its a nice thing to have the internet these days so you can order products from anywhere, but it is also more risky in the sense of time because you may not be pleased with the sound of them and you'll have to return them. most places do offer returns so its not usually a big deal, just a waste of time.
for the issue of comfort, I don't think you will be let down from the reviews you've read and what we have said about wearing them.
since you wear hearing protection you already know the importance of protecting your hearing. don't listen too loud for too long.
Enjoy the music with the cans!