Weak ears/hearing loss?

[Naggon]

Does anyone else ever get the feeling that they have ears that are just extra-susceptible to damage?

I've read so many horror stories about hearing loss, etc, that my band has turned our volume drastically down at practice and live, and I almost always wear earplugs in practice, in concert, and even at concerts I attend. I still get the feeling, though, that the little bit of exposure my ears get compared to my other people's hurts me a lot more than much greater exposure hurts them.

For example, I lost my earplugs half way through the Rush concert, and after that, I was pretty much entirely deaf for about 3 days, and Rush doenst even play that loud!

Despite all I do, I still feel like I'm getting some hearing loss - I'm almost certain my hearing is worse than it used to be, and I have been noticing a slight but constant ringing in my ears when I wake up in the quiet mornings. I'm only 19, and my band only practices once a week!

Anyone know what my problem might be??

[Chipsonfire]

Everyone's ears are a little different and there really is no definitive way for any of us to tell you if there's a problem. I would go see a physician and see what he or she has to say, after all that's is what they do for a living. It does sound like you may be more prone to hearing loss so I would go get it checked out.

[infect]

I definately think there's a variation in how people's ears handle higher volumes, tones, etc. I have a friend who's much more high pitch sensitive than most. Then on the flipside, friends who seem to have ears of steel. Most people, including myself, fall somewhere in the middle however and you just gotta be smart. Whenever I feel 'uncomfortable' at practice or a show, I'll use earplugs. Doesn't hurt to play it safe.

[Lesfunk]

what did you say...?

[louieeadg]

I have a little ringing in my ears sometimes but I thought it was because I could hear canine frequencies...eh. I agree with above in that everybody's body is different so its possible your ears are just a little sensitive. Then again, it could be they need to be cleaned really well. Or perhaps, there isn't enough wax in there....good luck with that though.

[lefty007]

Been playing for 24 year, been using earplugs for 7 years. I have tinnitus, although I haven't lost any hearing (my test showed perfect results).

But I recently developed high sensitivity to [loud] volume and even my own voice bothers me when I talk too loud.

I'm in the middle of exams. Just got a CT scan of my temporal bone done yesterday to see if they find what's wrong.

An earlier hearing test revealed that I don't tolerate anything louder than 75 dbs, which is pretty low by any standards.

So far, doctors are pretty clueless. They think it may have to do with the labyrinth. I also get slighty dizzy when I hear extremely loud sound, my guess is over 90 dbs.

I play 2-3 gigs a week; needless to say, I'm not having much fun.

[louieeadg]

That sucks man, I feel for you

[Jim Carr]

Every musician needs to get a professional hearing exam every year.

If you don't have and use ear plugs, you are making a foolish mistake.

There are no "steel ears."

[hunta]

Get some custom molded earplugs. Wear them at practices, wear them at shows. They will cost you $100-150+ but they are worth every penny. When I forget to bring mine to a jam session or a concert, the "aftershock" is always very noticeable. If you don't take care of your hearing you will be hating life in 10-20 years.

[soong]

yeah is it helpful my ears are ringing after all my jam sessions..?

[louieeadg]

Originally Posted by I Suck At Bass

yeah is it helpful my ears are ringing after all my jam sessions..?

Probably not.