Loud music is a great way to lose your hearing, and hearing doesn't come back from that. The loss builds up over time, although it often starts in the very high frequency ranges (why many adults can't hear tv buzz when kids can). Seriously consider turning down the music in the car if you don't want to keep losing hearing, and stay away from loud concerts (if you do go, use ear plugs). I would use ear plugs if you're near drum practice, and urge your son to do the same.
Those were my younger days listening to loud music. For my son he wears hearing protection. I didn't because I thought the door was sufficient to muffle the sound.
I'm trying to stay afloat with my hearing lost. For two years I experienced depression where medication didn't help. It was hard to get out of bed and do everyday things like going to work. I was going through the motions of living.With the right combination of drugs I was able to get out of my depression in June 2012. The next month I discovered I had hearing lost. I have to deal with a lot of remorse now because I didn't have enough energy to put on hearing protection because I thought it wasn't too loud. It not really helpful stating the obvious about what happens to my hearing. The damage has been done. I suffered with bipolar most of my life and I figured I came out pretty good. I never went broke from over spending and getting into terrible debt. I never picked up a STD. I been married to the same man for 26 years. We have a good relationship and he understands my illiness. I have two grown children who don't have any head problems. So I came out of this ordeal with few scars. I figure I'm pretty lucky. At least I don't suffer from chronic pain. So I count my blessings. I'm trying my best to be positive about what happen.
Update. I went over to the VA. I'm being fitted with a special hearing aid that will mask the sounds of tinnitus. Should be interesting.
Interesting. I have tinnitus and was told nothing could be done about it. Let us know how that device works for you. I'm curious to see if it improves things. Thanks.
Thanks for your comments. I got my Starkey RIC 10 last Tuesday. They program the hearing aid at the doctor's office. It streams a hissing sound to drown out the tinnitus. You can make it loud or soft. I made mine a soft hissing. It's soothing especially on days when my tinnitus becomes bothersome. I think it will work well when I'm subbing at school. It will be a great distraction. I think I will use it as educational tool for the kids so they don't abuse their music when they use their earbuds. They say one out five students have hearing damage from listening to loud music on their earbuds.
Update - I have worn the special hearing aid for about three and half weeks. I try to wear it eight hours a day. The hissing sound becomes background noise that you barely notice it if you don't think about it. This device is called Xino by Starkey.
Update - If you have tinnitus it's recommended to protect your hearing so you don't aggrevate your condition. The tinnitus will become louder if exposed to loud music or noise. Make sure your earplugs fit your ears. They have special earplugs for those who enjoy music. My audiologist recommended these for my small ear canals.
http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-ETY-Plugs-Protection-Earplugs/dp/B0044DEESS
Update - My hearing aid is slightly amplified. My hearing is more balanced in the classroom.