Now, I'm assuming that, since we've entered into a competition that takes us around the world to the world's greatest music festivals, coupled with the amount of times I've read the over enthusiastic "I LOVE MUSIC!" and "MUSIC IS MY LIFE" quotes by many of the entrants, that, uhhh, we all really enjoy listening to music! Genius, right?

But how many of us really love music so much that we protect the very instrument that allows us to enjoy it so?

EAR PLUGS are your best friend at a gig and especially at an all day (or multiple day) festival if you care about your hearing. Or even if you'd like to get some sleep without the sound of those damn high pitched mosquitoes inside your head! (ie. Tinnitus)

There are so many options when it comes to hearing protection. From the humble yellow foam buds, to the more elaborate custom fitted earplugs, ones that deaden the sound to plugs that are designed to only bring down the volume without compromising sound quality. Whichever you choose, you will be doing yourself a huge favour, especially if you want to continue listening to music (and being able to hear ALL of the frequencies) into your golden years.

Tinnitus is not fun!

As a musician and music lover, wearing earplugs to a show is incredibly important (for obvious reasons) and while I'm not always the best at taking my own advice at times (I really do try every time to pick up a pair from the chemist on the way to a gig! I promise!), I'd hate to have to miss out on some amazing audio creations in my later years due to my own complacency.

You can pick up these little gems for about $1 at most chemists!

To test your hearing and to see what damage has been done all those times you haven't protected your most priced possesion as a music lover (your eardrums), check out this ONLINE TINNITUS TEST

Happy listening!