Hearing damage is no fun, and it's cumulative. Every loud noise your hear makes your ears a little bit worse. A rock concert can give you a temporary form of Tinnitus lasting weeks,

And though it will heal, it won't heal 100%. Then next concert might just be the time that ringing never goes away.

Ear plugs like these: are meant for loud, occasional sounds. They're useful for target shooting, construction, and machine work but aren't comfortable for long periods

They also muffle all sounds, and you're there to listen to music so I can understand why you might not want them.

That's why there's a different class of ear plug: These are "High Fidelity" ear plugs, used specifically for stage performances.

There's a few brands out there, I got a set of "Heeros" for around 15$. Expensive, but oh so worth it. They reduce noise by around 20Db, but do so evenly over the frequency spectrum.

Music still sounds great, since they just take the edge off the noise without distorting it.

At 20Db they aren't ass effective as the general purpose plugs I showed first. These would not be good for working around aircraft engines, firearms, or heavy machinery!

Hmmm might be a plan. I usually sleep off tinnitus but like you say, next time could be the time it sticks.

They're very effective for the not-quite-obscenely loud but sustained sonic assault of a rock band.

SolidGopher went to see the Protomen with me several months ago, and his Tinnitus just cleared up.

Yeah, the damage never fully heals, and each time you're getting closer and closer to Tinnitus.

And in case anybody is thinking that a ringing in your ears isn't that awful a fate, Tinnitus is so much worse than you can imagine.

This is a very good plurk and I +1 it all but also "ass effective" teehee

Yeaaaah I saw a report from a DJ who has it and he said it can be like screaming in your ears.

...fuck.

anyway YEAH. Tinnitus causes sleep deprivation and lack of concentration. It's directly linked to increased instances of anxiety and depression.

It has caused social isolation and loss of employment at times, either directly from it's effects, or from the effects described above.

If anybody here is suffering from a persistent ringing in their ears, this exercise has been known to provide temporary relief: Heavenly Drums

I have seen Tinnitus sufferers claim that this technique gives them a mere 15-20 seconds of relief... and that this is enough to save their lives.

Which is the final problem: Tinnitus includes an extremely frightening rate of suicide.

This has caused some in the Medical Community to consider Tinnitus a terminal illness.

Be aware, protect your hearing. Even if you've already started to experience hearing issues, further damage can always make it worse.