I'll add to this: My ears ring. ALL THE TIME. During the day, I usually don't notice, but at night it can be difficult to go to sleep. Each ear rings at a different pitch, and sometime one or both may ring unusually loud. I typically have to run a fan or something at night just to drown out the ringing, but on some nights even that doesn't work. I've noticed that certain medicines, such as ibuprofen make it worse. There are occasions when one of my ears will suddenly start ringing very loudly, enough to drown out a conversation. That usually only lasts a few minutes, but it is annoying.

Why do my ears ring? Because I was a dumb-ass who thought it would be awesome to stand in front of the amps (without earplugs) and look cool during metal and punk concerts when I was in high school. Can't undo it, have to live with it. So now I wear earplugs whenever I mow the lawn, vacuum, or use any power tools at home or work, because I don't want to make it worse.

So yes, wear you earplugs at every show. If someone thinks you're a wuss, then to hell with them.

I'm in the always bring earplugs camp, just in case. You only get one set of ears per life...

I saw this dude at a show who must've been my age when Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, etc. were new bands. So yeah, he was pretty old (compared to everyone else at the show) but he was rocking out just like the rest of us.

He was wearing earplugs. Dwell on that for a minute.

I need to start wearing earplugs at shows, I always forget.


While we're on the subject, I'm going to see Earth in a few days and, thought their music is pretty mellow these days, I've heard they still play as loud as they always have. Will I need Earplugs for this?

This is a frightening issue. I've had weird ear problems, not tinnitus, but a fullness or pressure for some time. Doctors have thought it was ear infections, TMJ, BPPV. None of them seemed to be the right answer. I even gave up listening to music for a few months. Several people in my family have meniere's disease and tinnitus. Used to go to lots of concerts (Sunn O))) included), not wearing plugs. The ears are weird. Don't mess with them.

Use earplugs to all gigs if you value your hearing, no matter if it's Earth, Agalloch, Puddle of Mud or Jennifer Lopez.

Wow! Some pretty serious problems here!
I have NEVER used plugs and had tinnitus after some shows (gone next morning) but that shit is scary! I should start taking more care about me.
I went to a Earth show in a small venue recently I think you'll NOT need them but... just take them in case.

For Earth, probably not, unless the sound guy bumps up the volume. When I saw them, I don't even know if the drums and trombone were amplified. But it all depends on the venue's sound guy. I'd still bring plugs to the show regardless, as EagleTwin is opening, and they're not nearly as soft.

Sound logic.