has your restoration caused hearing damage?

[matthufham]

I'm 15 and this is my first build, and after a year of work, i know i have damaged my hearing. Grinders, air sanders, cutoff wheel, air compressor, and i'm sure there's other things. you can add to that loud music (non truck related) but soon enough i'll be driving with open headers or rockin with the subwoofer bumpin.

surley guys that have been doing this for awhile have damaged their hearing aswell. i know of ear protection, but i only use it when i know i'll be grinding on something for awhile. i'm pretty sure i'm on the deaf pathway, and i'm always having people repeat themselves. does anybody else want to share?