Hearing Loss Anyone?

[andyrichter]

Assuming the average board member goes to about 15-20 shows a year, do any of you notice over the years having more trouble with your hearing?  I mean, its inevitable that as you get older, everyone will suffer from some hearing loss but the regular show goer will have more pronounced effects.  I've noticed lately in the past year or so having trouble hearing people and more and more having to ask people to repeat what they just said.  I'm kinda worried.  Maybe I should start wearing earplugs to shows.

[Sir HC]

I always wear earplugs to shows.  After a show you can really tell the difference when everyone else is yelling and you are talking normal.
 
 I have had tinnitus since I was 20, and still have pretty decent hearing (knock on wood...).  Problem is there are situations that I can not wear plugs that are loud so that does cut in.

[Bags]

I now wear earplugs, though I forget them sometimes (I cannot stand the cheap foam ones, so if I don't have my nice ones, I use a napkin).
 
 I have a constant ringing, but it doesn't bother me really (I've had it for 6-8 years).  And I have pretty poor hearing in crowds in terms of hearing a person speak over a lot of background noise.  I think it's show related...

[Random Citizen]

I'm an earplug wearer as well. (Actually, didn't this topic come up a few months back?) It's really a good investment regardless of the number of shows you attend.
 
 andy, I would suggest getting your hearing checked by a specialist just to be on the safer side of things and then yes, start wearing earplugs.

[Charlie Nakatestes, Japanese Golfer]

What did you say?
 
 I lost some of my hearing in one of my ears as a child. I don't really know if I have any more than that, though my wife complains that I turn the tv up too loud.
 
 I don't wear earplugs at shows, though ironically I'm hooked on wearing them when I sleep (had a college roommate who snored.)

[jkeisenh]

i actually have two bags and I have a pair of earplugs for both bags that i just keep in there in their handy dandy carrying case.  works nicely, since i used to always forget 'em.

[bearman🐻]

I wear earplugs at most shows ever since an ugly incident where I lost my hearing for 4 days after seeing the Beastie Boys in 1992. I didn't wear my earplugs for PJ Harvey last night, and my ears didn't ring at all afterwards and today I can hear just fine. Depends on the show though...I always bring them along just in case. This year I will have seen close to 40 shows I think. Ear plugs are always a good thing to bring with to a show.

[ggw]

I always did poorly on the hearing tests when I was a kid.  Blame it on getting ear infections every summer and one of my ear drums bursting.
 
 I haven't had the ringing issue in a long time.  Sometimes I get that "congested" feeling, but it's always gone by the morning.
 
 I probably should wear earplugs but I don't.

[ratioci nation]

I have always had bad hearing, probably should wear them, but dont

[edbert]

Ain't got no store-bought earplugs, but if a show (or a race) is loud I'll grab a bar napkin, tear off a couple strips and roll them up into ersatz plugs

[HoyaSaxa03]

on the topic of ears ... everyone should get their ear wax cleaned out at some point, either get a home kit or go to the doctor and get it done ... it's an unbelievable feeling, you can hear a pin drop two blocks down the street ... probably wouldnt be good to get that done before a show though ...

[Bombay Chutney]

These are the ones I use.  I never go to a show without 'em.
 
 Etymotic

[eltee]

Originally posted by Bombay Chutney:
  These are the ones I use.  I never go to a show without 'em.
 
 Etymotic

Those are the ones I bought as well. Haven't worn them yet. I look like an alien w/ those plastic stems sticking out of my ears. I carry earplugs wherever I go. Store bought ones (a brand a like) are slightly better than 9:30 club's offering. Although, the club's are still okay and I do appreciate that the club has them on hand.
 A couple made fun of me as they watched me put in my earplugs at a very loud show. To each their own.

[Lamb007]

Interestingly enough, it was a 1992 Beastie Boys/Rollins Band/L7 show at Michael's Eighth Avenue that led me to start using ear plugs. It was a full week before my hearing was even close to normal. I have been using the foam kind until Bombay's shamelss plug for Etymotic. Now, I too am hooked. The music is not muffled with them as they can sometimes be with foam. I highly recommend.
 
 

Originally posted by bunnyman:
  I wear earplugs at most shows ever since an ugly incident where I lost my hearing for 4 days after seeing the Beastie Boys in 1992. I didn't wear my earplugs for PJ Harvey last night, and my ears didn't ring at all afterwards and today I can hear just fine. Depends on the show though...I always bring them along just in case. This year I will have seen close to 40 shows I think. Ear plugs are always a good thing to bring with to a show.

[Guiny]

I average 30 shows a year and never wear ear plugs. My ears ring constantly but I really only notice them it at night when I go to sleep, which is why I have to sleep with the fan on, It drains it just enough to fall asleep. I don't notice during the day unless I think about it, like right now, since I'm writing about it, I can hear it. Oh well......