I wrote a post recently about a problem I was having with my ears. I had an infection that left me almost completely deaf for two weeks, a hell I wouldn’t wish upon my worst enemies.
Since then, I have had my hearing restored but have been told if I don’t give up performing and recording music, I could lose my hearing permanently. I don’t know what to do. I am a very creative person, with music being my biggest outlet. Being on stage is better than any drugs I’ve ever tried. There is just no better high.
To a lot of JU-users, it might seem like a no-brainer – give up or lose hearing. Seems simple enough, I know. But like most highs, there is an addictiveness I just can’t discount. But I want to use this as a warning. If you are going to loud concerts, or performing in bands, wear ear protection. When I started performing in the late 70's, there was no such thing (well, not that anyone I knew had heard about, anyway). Over the years, I've become very protective of my hearing, but alas, it was too little too late. So, take it from me, look after you hearing, don't stand next to speakers and wear ear protection. It might not look cool, but who cares? It is worth it to protect your hearing.