Hearing loss....

[ToonaRockGuy]

I've lost about 45-50% hearing in each ear due to being in the military and playing music. I try to wear foam earplugs during shows, but I get so frustrated, because as soon as I put them in, I can't hear anything! It's so hard to judge stage volumes with earplugs in. I can't stand in-ear monitors for that very reason. Anyone got any suggestions?

[Trucula]

I've learned one thing from playing in a country rock band ( 3 bands ago) that stage volume can do that to ya....even in practice....My lead player taught me alot about sound levels....Even learned alot from Lee Worthy...You don't need loud stage volume!....and praticing is alot like that...My Lead player in the country rock band(who played with James Taylor) always said." If you sound good quiet, you'll sound great loud!".... (helps find you mistakes usually covered up with noise or distortion)...and Lee always said .."Let me take care of the front volume, keep the stage volume low"...and I can say after a few nights with Lee I never went home with ringing ears..(less I went to see one of his shows and had my head in the speakers...LOL)
I can remember a few nights after our shows that I couldnt fall asleep cause the ringing was too loud (thats why i took food home, hoping wings or a Sheetz MTO would help cause I'd be up a bit)

[cruseaudio]

ARG Hey try wearing them in just one ear, stage volumes shouldn't matter to you too much, as you should be the guy to "set" the stage volume with your playing.

Neither the ear plugs or in ears are easy to get used to, but if you always wear them for practice and playin out you will get used to them.

Figure out witch side of the brain you want to use, (intelect side or artistic side) and put the in ear in the proper ear; and in the other ear, try an ear plug

I like to wear the in-ear in my left ear, and I will plug my right ear or else not wear anything in it.
If I switch them around I actually get a kinda nervous feeling, like something isn't quite right or I can't concentrate as well, I can't explain it exactly it is just wierd.

[onegunguitar]

Huh,what did you say?!

[facingwest]

I've learned one thing from playing in a country rock band ( 3 bands ago) that stage volume can do that to ya....even in practice....My lead player taught me alot about sound levels....Even learned alot from Lee Worthy...You don't need loud stage volume!....and praticing is alot like that...My Lead player in the country rock band(who played with James Taylor) always said." If you sound good quiet, you'll sound great loud!".... (helps find you mistakes usually covered up with noise or distortion)...and Lee always said .."Let me take care of the front volume, keep the stage volume low"...and I can say after a few nights with Lee I never went home with ringing ears..(less I went to see one of his shows and had my head in the speakers...LOL)
I can remember a few nights after our shows that I couldnt fall asleep cause the ringing was too loud (thats why i took food home, hoping wings or a Sheetz MTO would help cause I'd be up a bit)

Mmmmmmm....Sheetz. *SINGS* I WANT MY, I WANT MY, I WANT MY MTO!!!