I used to have good hearing. Now I have very sensitive hearing from the damage caused by fools blasting me with sound. (feedback, mostly)

I carry hearing protection with me at all times. I like the Mack brand of earplugs, waxy balls which cover the opening in the ear. I always have them at the movies (though I only go rarely). I also use them on airplanes.

Loud noise, even of sounds which we enjoy, raises the blood pressure and makes us tired. I'm convinced the reason so many people grouse about air travel is that they are worn out from the noise of the engines.

Back to movies - I once went to a documentary on Anarctica but forgot my hearing protection. Walking to a restaurant afterward, I felt like somebody had hit me. You know that hollow sensation you get in your chest when recovering from a blow or a bad fall? I was feeling that. I think it's a symptom of shock.