[quote name='Paul Cooke' post='264476' date='Aug 18 2008, 12:40 PM']well, if they had to shout to each other in order to converse at a distance of 1 meter, then they should have been wearing ear defenders as that is the rule of thumb criteria for them to be worn.
If you have to shout, then your ears are being damaged.
The damage is accumulative and non reversible.[/quote]
Not entirely true but I agree with the sentiment.
Damage is not done to the ears unless the volume level is sustained of "x" period of time. "x" varies with the level of volume in mind. Other than that your ears also have this nifty function of naturally defending themselves. You may notice that everything sounds more "compressed" than usual. This is the ears defending themselves. At this point your ears may be being damaged but unless the volume is being sustained then you should be fine as they do also naturally heal to a degree.
This all being said... wear ear protection anyway. Do it, dont be silly whether in the crowd or on stage. Earplugs actually help you hear BETTER.
Now I feel smart and all is right with the world
Carry on