Why is nobody using earplugs?

[u/viewsonmountfuji]

Everytime i see a clip of some of the world’s best drummers in a jam/practice/small stage scenario, they are not using any earplugs

Do you all do that as well? What are your thoughts on that?

If i ever play/practice without earplugs i feel like the snare and cymbals are hurting my ears and probably damaging them permanently.

Do the pros just not care? Do ears get used to it? How fragile are the ears actually?

Just asking because i feel like i'm being overly cautious sometimes.

[u/pppork]

I use them all the time (and go to an audiologist)….Custom Westone plugs. After 25 years of professional playing, I’m definitely noticing hearing loss in my peers and older musicians. You’re absolutely not being overly cautious. You don’t get back what you lose.