Clapton, Hearing Protection

I don't play loud enough to warrant using plugs these days though I do suffer with tinnitus, I put that down to working in noisey factories for twenty odd years obviously the rock bands during the 70s had nothing to do with it?

Like Phill, I usually don't usually play loud enough to need plugs, and play more acoustic than electric. Having tube amps with a power soak circuit really helps, to dial in a nicely saturated tone without high volume. However, I do a fair bit of wood-working with power tools, and use quality hearing and eye protection at all times. High speed motors (thickness planer, jointer, router, etc.) produce high frequencies than can do a lot of damage.

I don't know anything about this tinnitus stuff,  I just wonder why locusts always seem to be following me .   

I work with chainsaws and an industrial wood chipper and I always wear ear plugs at work. But playing or at concerts; Nope.

I was a health and safety guy when I was working in a factory and attended many hearing courses so as it turns out deep bass notes, sounds or machine rumbles cause more damage to hearing though high frequencies are as bad. Imagine how the kids of today with their 200 watt speakers in the boot (trunk) of their car will fare when they get into their 60's?

Hearing loss.....?  Yeah I suppose so, a little (just ask my wife).  In younger years always wore headphones, especially when working the "sound board" (mixer) at concerts etc.  Mostly so I could switch between sources and balance the output better, and it might have "saved" me a little.  Later I used in ear noise cancelling monitors, because I couldn't hear myself in the mix.

Then I got older and my draft number came up low, Artillery and gunfire (much of it my own) knocked the top out of my range of hearing, but I still use muffs whenever running anything that makes more than about 75 db, power tools and such.  Too much "loud" gives me headaches, and most of my own music making is acoustic so making the best out of what's left.  For the young folks out there, use protection always..... for your hearing too!  Mess up and eventually it will bite you..... 

Tinnitus it is hell at night the ringing in the ears when your tired and trying  to get some sleep, Fortunately for me after a few years I woke up one morning and the ringing had stopped.

Peatle
OMG   what the heck did you eat that night ?
you are so fortunate - wish that would happen to me

I can hear fine, except the tinnitus covers/muffles the low sounds so watching tv is like ---- well the volume is up !    Just ask my wife.