Hearing is a lot like virginity once its gone you aren't getting it back. I've learned this the hard way. I work in noisy environments, and used to go to lots of concerts, all without wearing hearing protection. Now like Ella said when I'm in a place with lots of background noise, a restraunt, a bar, etc, I really need to pay attention to the words people are saying as they get lost in the background noise. Now when I go to a bar, club, or Concert I always bring some ear plugs with me. I know it sounds funny to go to a concert and put in ear plugs but all it does is cut down the background noise. I can hear the band great. Most of the time the speakers are cranked up so loud you get echoing in your ear canal. The ear plugs stop that. I live with mild tinnitus to this day and I am only in my 30's. And already I hate having to ask people to repeat themselves or speak up, as I couldn't hear them over the background noise.
Inside your ear canal are tiny lttle hairs, once damaged they do not grow back or repair themselves. So protect your hearing or be prepared to live with a slight ring in your ears the rest of your life.
Heres a little more info on the
little hairs
Found at this site
www.hear-it.org