I certainly feel for those who have ear problems. Like Gary I play in a band and have been a trumpet player since I was 12. I also choose a profession that is notorious for hearing loss due to the constant "whirrrrr" of the dental drill. ( you all love that sound...I'm sure)
I don't have a cure but, felt I would chime in and let everyone know that even "normal" (Ok ya'all know I'm not normal!) can suffer irreversible hearing loss. I have constant ringing in my ears and it drives me crazy. My audiologist fitted me with noise filters 5 years ago but I don't wear them as often as I should because I can't stand the feel of them and can't hear when people talk to me.
Going deaf...slowly but surely.
Cheers,
Mike