I have become sensitive to noise through playing.though ive had my hearing tested and apparently thats fine.maybe it happens before your hearing gets damaged.anyway im going for protection now,i`ve got some ear pugs from the hospital which are moulded plastic made to fit my ears with a little filter inside..so you can hear certain sounds..i think they`re great,i wear them whike playing though have to take one out to sing.They were fairly cheap ,i don`t knowhow they compare to the really expensive ones. They are handy when you can`t get the noise turned down.