To put your mind at rest, here are some experiences from people who actually use them. 

Read more about the types of earplugs available, how to put them in and where to get them from.

I see more and more people with earplugs

I began to learn to play the drums about 5 years ago and at first did not use earplugs. Fortunately I realised quite quickly that earplugs were needed both to protect my ears and because I wasn't hitting the drums with full commitment due to the loud noise. I used soft earplugs for about a year before moving on to one size fits re-useable earplugs which made it much clearer to hear what I was playing. I have since started playing electric guitar so use them then as well. I now always wear earplugs to live music concerts which tend to be rock gigs, plus also to clubs.

I used to be slightly self conscious of wearing them (the perception that they are perhaps not rock 'n' roll), but I see more and more people with earplugs and if you look at any professional musician the chances are they wear ear protection. I have now decided to purchase custom fit earplugs as I use ear protection regularly enough that cost is probably worth it. The main benefit will hopefully be increased comfort, which I hope will make a significant difference particularly when I'm attending music festivals, which can be several hours of music for several days in a row.

Nathaniel Shears (19), a student in Warwick

I could hear other peoples' conversations

I recently bought some 'Alpine Music Safe' ear plugs from Sensorcom's website.  I have recently developed tinnitus following a course of antibiotics.  My hearing has been tested and is apparently 'excellent' but I love loud music and I aware that I really need to look after my ears for the future.  Noise exposure definitely makes my tinnitus temporarily worse. I first used the earplugs at a weekend music festival and they are brilliant!!!!!! I used them all weekend and I could hear the music without feeling that my ears were bleeding and I could also hear peoples' conversations without too much difficulty.  A great product.

Ruth (31), lives in Staffordshire

They have made so much difference

I write and perform electronica/dance/jazz music.  I started using the Alpine Music Safe earplugs about six months ago, and they have made so much difference.  Not only do I not have ringing in my ears after going to a gig, I can also pitch properly when I sing the day after - it was always a bit wayward if I'd been to a loud gig!

Beth Walthew (28), a musician from Cambridge

My friends all had ringing ears

I used my earplugs at a very loud gig recently, and even though we weren't right at the front my friends all had ringing ears for a couple of hours after, but I didn't. Half way through the gig I took my ear plugs out to see what it sounded like and I was really surprised that it didn't sound as clear so I put them back in.

Arshi Zaman, a music fan from London

They actually make it easier to mix

I'm using the Alpine re-useable plugs at the mo. They actually make it easier to mix as you can only hear the sounds you need to and not any echo or delay from the speakers all around you. The monitors are by far a lot clearer now. They're a bit fiddly as its one size fits all but my customised plugs should be on the way very soon.

Andy Goulcher, DJ from Wolverhampton

Negative comments have been surprisingly rare

I've had very mild tinnitus as long as I can remember and since I've started going to gigs and clubs its gotten worse. But the thing that finally made me think about my hearing was one particularly loud gig when I realised it took much longer for my ears to recover than for other peoples. After that I did some research and realised I was actually in danger of losing my hearing, or at least the ability to enjoy music.

At first I didn't like the idea of ear plugs because I was convinced they'd affect the sound of the music but after talking to some people who have used them I got some Alpine Music Safe ones and they're absolutely brilliant. I've used them at several gigs and two outdoor festivals and wouldn't be without them now. The only problem is the temptation to pull them out every so often to convince myself they're actually working. When they're in right I can't even feel them and the music sounds exactly the same, only quieter! Even better they don't fall out - even in mosh pits. Negative comments have been surprisingly rare as well, especially after I explain that they're specialist ones originally designed for musicians and that the guys on stage are wearing something similar (if more expensive!)

Katy (22) a music fan from Surrey

I really don't think we lose any of the sound quality

I've always enjoyed going to gigs and clubbing. At the end of the night I knew my ears would be ringing as I left a venue. My partner is a DJ and he knew the music was alwasy too loud for him too - but we were never so bothered about it to actually do something.

When my friend told me about the Don't Lose the Music campaign I really thought I should start to do something about our hearing. We used some disposable ear plugs at a festival and felt the difference, so decided we should buy some proper ones. My partner did the telephone hearing test (0845 600 5555) and his hearing was still OK so that was lucky.

We then got some of the One-Size Fits All ear plugs and they are really good. They are comfy and I really don't think we lose any of the sound quality when wearing them. At gigs you have to shout at eachother already, so having ear plugs doesn't change that. The ear plugs have two different levels you can use depending on how loud it is. I now notice more people wearing earplugs and am pleased - but then I see people not wearing them and wish I could explain to them all how important it is not to mess your hearing up.

Oh - and the other advantage of getting some proper ear plugs is that at  festivals you can actually get some sleep!!

Alice, a music fan from London