Hate to ask this question...

[hundredwaters]

...but I have a lot of hearing damage and usually have to wear earplugs - planning on going to the upcoming show in LA, but was wondering how loud the MMJ concerts have been - would prefer to be close to the stage unless its crazy loud and earplugs are not enough...

[Crispy]

I see lots of people up front using earplugs -- I guess there are some nice ones out there that let good stuff in and keep too much bad stuff out. I'll probably be getting some myself, I love being up front, but the tinnitus, not so much.

[el_chode]

Whenever I've been overwhelmed by sound, it's the percussion on my chest during Run Thru when Patrick assaults the crowd with malice.

[hundredwaters]

Thanks for the replies...  Just to make myself clear - is the show typically LOUD or moderate...?  Im guessing back in row 15 or so is the sensible thing...

[HIGH on SOUND]

I think the loudness depends on the venue.

When they played at the big YUM Center Arena in Louisville I was probably 10-15 rows back and my ears were in serious pain after that. Definitely made me wish I had earplugs for that show.

I was in the front row at the smaller Palace show and it wasn't loud enough to make me wish I had earplugs.

If you have a good pair of plugs I think you can probably get as close as you want with no issue.

I recommend these:

http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Research-Protection-Earplugs-Standard/dp/B0044DEESS

[YouAre_GivenToFly]

I got myself a good set of plugs for the T5 shows last year. I'm not sure if I would have made it through the whole week without them.

[Im The Dude]

I got myself a good set of plugs for the T5 shows last year. I'm not sure if I would have made it through the whole week without them.

I got a bulk pack of throw away ones and I was so glad I did for that week too! We were up front all five nights and I noticed a lot of people didn't have plugs in. It makes a huge difference if you don't. I hate the ringing. I made the mistake of not having plugs in during my first MMJ show in 2003 and lost a little bit of hearing in my left ear. Wow were they loud!

[br00ke]

definitely bring ear plugs, esp. if you plan on being up front. T5 totally shredded my ears .. i had ringing for a full day afterwards. i always carry ear plugs on me now.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

+1 for the Etymotics

[ALady]

They really are the best.  I've been wearing them for any remotely loud event over the past five years or so - even at the movies.  And haven't had an instance of post-show tinnitus since.   

They are miles better than the foam earplugs - they don't muffle the sound nearly as much, just make it seem like the volume's turned down a bit.   

[Shug]

Yeah, the Etymotics are definitely a good product.  I use the custom made plugs http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/erme.html with the 15 dB filters for most shows.  I'd stay away from the 25 dB filters unless you are in a band or work at a venue, they just bring things down too much for a concert goer.  You need to see an audiologist to have the impressions of your ears made and then they order them for you.  Its a good investment if you go to lots of shows.

And if you are not wearing plugs and are having ringing in your ears after a show, you are doing permanent damage to your hearing.  It may take years for the hearing loss to add up to something that you can really notice, but you don't want to get to that place.  Its just smart to wear some kind of hearing protection at loud shows and to make it sound OK, you gotta have the Etymotics.  I'm glad more people are becoming aware of this!