I have a concern about the damaging effects of loud volumes. I use to notice musicians who used earplugs all the time. Years ago, after a gig with an extremely loud jazz organ player, I noticed a buzzing in my ears whenever it was real quiet. One that has not gone away since.

I have had my ears checked since and the prognosis was fortunately, quite good overall. However, I would love to be able not to hear that buzz which at times is multipitched or shifts.

I've noticed many people like loud music like I did at one time. I've read where some people's tinnuitis is so severe that they committed suicide. The actor who played Captain Kirk on Star Trek almost went crazy after suffering acute tinnuitis due to a loud explosion on one of the sets. I've noticed most of the vocal stars wearing hearing protectors. Probably to save whatever hearing they have left.

I'm glad that I have a great affinity for acoustic based Jazz music. I like to be able to hear the sound of the myriad nuances that only a true acoustic instrument can demonstrate. I love the sound of the purity of Earl Klugh's guitars and Paco De Lucia. I hope by writing this journal that some of you will be spared the experience of hearing damage! Once you get it, you will really feel mentally sick for a while. Months later you'll get used to it. I like to wear earplugs at night to help simulate quietness because that ssh sounds like I'm on an airplane . I miss the days of not having to wear earplugs to achieve tranquility. Also, the years spent playing classical trombone in halls where the decibells exceeded the maximum allowed threshold didn't help either.

Mark