[oldschool]

It's never to late to start wearing ear protection,not much you can do to reverse the damage though. Although i may from time to time hear bells and whistles it's only temperary and i use a 1500w mackie for my monitor feed,i have my hearing checked annually and it's a-ok everytime. I think they must be conditioned from listening to loud music my entire life,being 51 yrs. old and the youngest of 6, my older sisters loved music and still do from the British Invasion to the Beach Boys i've heard it all and still listen to it. They've supported my love of music and 30yrs. on the drums 100%. And when recording in the studio i demand (although against the engineers better judgement) my clicks be very loud,so my playing does'nt drown them out. I would be a perfect candidate for the EVANS Corp. in testing drum head durability because i break **** when i play(sticks,cymbals,kick pedals,etc.) and damn proud of it ! I also find that with some minor ailments i have that mind over matter works well for me. I hope your friend finds a solution to his hearing problem and to quit playing would not be the answer. GOOD LUCK FRIEND !