Interesting thread. Playing fiddle can also be bad for your ego. Especially when you think you've got a piece learned and then completely blow it by being out of time or out of tune !

On the purely physical side, what is the nature of the damage done by loud sounds ? Does the little membrane in the inner ear get stretched, get thicker or thinner, or what ? I'm especially intrigued by the idea that once harmed the ear is more susceptible.