Earplugs at concerts back in the day

I wish. Been there. The ringing in the ears and stench of cigarette smoke the next morning. But I didn’t stand in front of speakers either. Been using the metal ones at gigs for 20 years and they help. Many indoor gigs are too loud.

I never did a BIG concert without them..

Smaller venues, and a good sound man, I’d pull the plugs. Most folks know it, but opening your mouth and jaw position, really help with HIGHER SPL.. There is a point, it’s to loud. The plug go back in, I walk away... I have no problem putting my fingers in my ears, and walking out..

Journey, early 80s, I just walked out with half the folks there, Winterland.

It was WAY to loud...

OP, It has paid me big time in my later years. I have good hearing, also.. 16K. + I have some sensitivity, nothing like I use to.. Had my heart fixed, that helped in the 2-3k range. I NEVER see my chest pumpin' or ears poppin', any more.. Good stuff..

Regards

Hopefully we will be able to attend concerts again in the not to distant future. In my early years I did not bring earplugs but after walking out of one painfully loud rock concert I always brought them going forward.

I always protected my ears but now at 66 years old, I have no hearing in one ear. Age more than abuse did the deed.

I'm 85 and have been to over 2,000 concerts in last 60 years and have near-perfect hearing without using anything .
Of course they were all Classical  Music outings .