I have very sensitive hearing. I have four points to make.

1. Carry hearing protectors with you and put them in if a concert is too loud. Why should you miss everything because of one factor?

2. Sound energy is measured in decibels, and we know how many decibels it takes to cause hearing damage. Why don't sound boards display the decibel level being produced?

3. I always carry hearing protectors on airplanes. They help a lot. I even put them in, then put the earphones of a cassette player (more convenient than a CD player) over them and enjoy beautiful music in my own little world. The music comes right through while the engine noise is considerably damped. Sure beats watching the movie.

On my last international flight I tried watching the movie, and the sound of someone rattling a newspaper was broadcast so loud that I whipped off the headphones and threw them at the seat in front of me.

If you want to try this, take high-pitched tapes. Flute music, dulcimer, sopranos. Low pitches get lost in the engine sound. Beethoven symphonies, for example, are ridiculous on a plane.

4. Long period of loud sound raise your blood pressure and make you tired. This happens whether you are enjoying the sound or not. Get hearing protectors and take charge of this aspect of your life.