Unlike my father, I used ear protection when he was using chain saws, drills, impact hammers, etc. Unlike my wife, I use ear protection at rock concerts. My hearing is good to 16 kHz when tested. Probably better. I'm 65 and have excellent hearing. My father's hearing substantially deteriorated in his early 80s. My wife can't stand piccolos, flutes and percussive piano sounds. My mother, who like me, protected her hearing all her life, also has excellent hearing at age 87. So, protect your hearing and you probably won't lose it, unless bad genetics are involved.
The Absurdity of it All
50-60-70 year old ears stating with certainty that what they hear is proof positive of the efficacy of analog, uber-cables, tweaks...name your favorite latest and greatest audio "advancement." How many rock concerts under the bridge? Did we ever wear ear protection with our chain saws? Believe what you will, but hearing degrades with age and use and abuse. To pontificate authority while relying on damaged goods is akin to the 65 year old golfer believing his new $300 putter is going to improve his game. And his game MAY get better, but it is the belief that matters. Everything matters, but the brain matters the most.