The Toxic Effects of Noise and What We’re Not Doing About It (leaps.org) "People assume hearing loss is due to age but it’s not inevitable, he says. He cites studies of older people living in quiet, isolated areas who maintain excellent hearing. Just like you can prevent wrinkles by using sunscreen, you can preserve hearing by using ear plugs when attending fireworks or hockey games".
Working outside at an airport and flying, even with ear protection, I am pretty sure has not been good for me. The worst may have been a Gear Daddies show at the Uptown bar in Minneapolis. Hearing was shot for a couple days after, and who knows the long term.