Timely topic, Jim. I just had a hearing test yesterday, and I have hearing loss in the 6000 hertz range. Cause: loud music of course. The diagnosis is sensorineural hearing loss.

The ear expert said I don't need a hearing aid, but I should be very careful and always wear ear plugs when playing with bands.

There is not much you can do once you have it, unfortunately. Once hearing damage has occurred, there is no undoing. Key thing is to not make it worse, and I'm getting custom-made ear plugs - see bottom of this page - http://www.starkey.com/products/audio_music.jsp

I also have some cheapo ear plugs by Hearos, and they are a lot better than nothing.