Very interesting article, thanks for linking Dunky. I don't think I've ever experienced this as a player, or indeed noticed it as an audience member - but the point is, you probably wouldn't know it was happening.
Personally I rarely drink on gigs and then never more than a pint of beer - it takes the edge off my playing, and I'm usually driving anyway. Also I suffer some distortion in the hearing of my right ear, which is made worse by alcohol and tiredness. If I am working with or listening to a loud band I use ear plugs.