Same with me

But I still hear them well enough just can’t hear the wife much now a days

Maybe that’s a good thing I try to see the positive in things now a days good luck

Gary aka houndog

Hey, Guys!

Thank you VERY much for your words of encouragement I truly appreciate the advice and personal anecdotes! I'm practising tomorrow night and will continue to play indefinitely. Precautions will be employed though! Nothing wrong with earplugs or having the guitar players turn it down a notch! jaghog, your response was priceless! I understand exactly what you mean by not being able to "hear the wife much". I'm still grinning!

Thanks again, everyone.

Brian

I do IT for a life science investors group and a couple of years ago they had a presenter pitching investors for a treatment to protect from hearing loss after being exposed to very loud noises.

They said they'd have a treatment in a few years, but nothing has turned up so far.

The DOD gave them a few grants as hearing loss on a battle filed greatly reduces the effectiveness of a soldier in combat.

https://www.hearwellcenter.com/military-hearing-loss-drug-hearwell-center/

Thanks very much, pgm554! I really appreciate your time and willingness to help out a fellow member. At this point, any advice or new information is certainly welcome! Thanks again, sir!

Brian

Sorry you are experiencing a medical challenge Brian. It’s difficult to give input on such a personal situation. It sounds like you trust your providers assessment yet don’t want hearing loss to end your relationship with the drums. Beyond an MRI referral, what are your providers recommendations?

Thank you very much for your response and sympathy, Drumtimejohn! Very much appreciated. You're right. I do trust the experts, but am not willing to stop drumming. I did get together with the band about two weeks ago. Everyone knew of my loss and was quite considerate and understanding. The guitar player even turned down a notch! I was able to get by just fine! I was elated! The MRI is next month. Once the results are in, I'll take it from there. If ear plugs are a necessity, so be it. If I need a hearing aid, I'll obtain one. That's life. I have no regrets whatsoever! As a matter of fact, I consider myself a fantastically lucky man. Without the music, who knows what my life might have been? Thanks again, sir.

Brian

Perhaps when you receive medical recommendations or a treatment plan it will be about reducing harm and not eliminating drumming. I do not have specific numbers in reduction of hearing however can say I notice my right (ride side) ear is not as good as my left. Here are some things I’ve done to reduce harm:

-Like you, I asked them to turn it down and really focused on preserving my hearing for the rest of life and live performances of course.

-I often use hot rods during rehearsal to help them with that point.

-Ask that higher pitch frequencies (guitar, horns, etc) are monitored on my left.

-Rehearse in more open spaces.

-Always wear hearing protection and be willing to increase the db reduction with louder music.

-When rockers failed to comply I changed to Jazz for a few years and now singer/songwriter material

-I’ve changed my ride to a lower tone.

-Use more hi hat instead of ride where possible.

-Switched from 16” to 14” floor toms (again where possible).

-I rarely play a crash on my ride and certainly don’t use large crashes or a china.

-I now use slightly stronger hearing protection on my right and find it works great.

-I wear straight up -30 something db firing range perfection when rehearsing alone. Live performance protection is about -13 to 15 bd.

-I also reduce exposure to loud sounds other than drums and have ear plugs available for such events or just entirely avoid them. My watch helps with readings. Still practicing acceptance to wear them at a concert.

-I only use speaker or premium noise canceling wireless devices for any phone calls or similar use.

-Future plans include being medically/professionally fitted for in ear monitors.

Drumtimejohn!

Thank you so very much, sir! What a lot of time and effort you have put into helping me! I am overwhelmed! I will certainly consider everything you have stated and am sure I will follow through! Amazing! I am really indebted. You have really come through! THANK YOU!

Respectfully,

Brian

You’re welcome. Thanks for your kind words Brian. -John

Playing is like breathing. Never quit. It's good for your health.

I'm a big fan of quality natural supplements and gingko biloba has been a good one for hearing loss. Give it a try. You get what you pay for so do your research. Good luck.