This was no ordinary ringing in my ears. At a recent show, I situated myself right in front of the speakers, not thinking twice about the repercussions. Then Cut Loose—a local superloud shred trio that do fast, short, and sweet grindcore without all the bug costumes and matching insect vocals—played. Instead of temporary tinnitus for the night, it was like my left ear had been blown away with a shotgun. It lasted for three days.
Luckily, my hearing came back, but how long until it's gone for good? Especially when you're young, you take for granted your ability to see and hear. Plain and simple, music sounds best loud. But whether on headphones or at a high-decibel show, constant exposure to high-volume music is certain to do damage to your ears; without the right protection you could turn you into one of those sad old folks asking "WHAT?" and "HUH?" all the time.
"Alright, dude. You're totally preaching to the choir," you say. "What's the point?" Well, according to the higher-ups, May is Better Hearing and Speech Month and it's time you recognized! Assuming you haven't already been celebrating, Saturday, May 17, at the Kirkland Teen Union Building has got you more than caught up.
Turn It Down! An Ear-Responsible Concert is a benefit show aimed at spreading the message of this good month and raising awareness about how musicians and fans can maintain their healthy hearing. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and costs $8. All proceeds from the door go to a fund to help local musicians get access to sound-reducing products.
Maybe it's been a while since you made your way out to Kirkland, but this show is worth the trek. With the lineup of Portugal. The Man, Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground, and Man Down Medic, there's a little something for everyone. I loved Kay Kay singer/songwriter Kirk Huffman's old group Gatsby's American Dream when I was 14, but I haven't heard much of his new project. On first listen, it's safe to say the man has moved on from pop punk to something more intricate and emotionally substantial. The band's recently released, self-titled debut album, with its subtleties and layers of sound, seems like it would be impossible to pull off live, but I have heard nothing but great things about their performances.
Hearing is something you hardly ever think of, something you might never really notice until it's gone. Instead of waiting until then, why not use this special time of year to take care of your ears? It's not too late! Wear your earplugs, do your chores, go to KTUB! I guarantee your ears will thank you. 
