Back in the 60s and 70s, hearing experts were already telling us that listening to high-decibel rock music would eventually lead to a condition called tinnitus or “ringing in the ears.” It’s turning out that they were right.

We’re now learning that baby boomers who cranked up the volume when they listened to music are more likely to have hearing problems than their parents, grandparents and previous generations. There’s growing evidence that years of exposure to loud music can definitely damage your hearing.

For proof, just look the number of well known rockers from the 60s and 70s who now hear constant ringing in the ears and other ear noise caused by tinnitus. Here’s a partial list of rock and roll royalty who have admitted to having tinnitus and other hearing problems.

Start with The Who’s Pete Townshend and John Entwhistle. Townshend can no longer hear at all in one ear. His deafness is probably the result of high volume music and explosions that were part of their concert act, along with listening to super-amplified playbacks during studio recording sessions.

Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac admitted in a recent Rolling Stone Magazine interview that “The world’s worst is when you find yourself going like Mother Hubbard and cupping your hand behind your ear. I was a major glutton for volume: ‘Gotta feel it, gotta hear it.’ Sooner or later you’re going to pay the reaper.”

Neil Young of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Jeff Beck of the Yardbirds, Ted Nugent, Huey Lewis, and Bono (U2) have suffered hearing damage during their careers.

Band members from My Bloody Valentine, Metallica and The Red Hot Chili Peppers are also on the list of the hearing impaired.

Loud music is not the only hearing hazard among and others among the well-known.

Star Trek icons William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy have tinnitus-like hearing problems suffered when a prop exploded on the set during the filming of a Star Trek episode back in the 1960s.

Steve Martin, the actor and comedian, acquired tinnitus in the mid 80’s while filming a pistol-shooting scene for the movie “¡Three Amigos!” .

Constant ringing in the ears has been a problem for some famous people for a long time - even before they found fame, in some cases.

Barbra Streisand has said her reputation for volatility may be the result of tinnitus or a similar hearing impairment from which she has had since she was seven, according to a number of news reports.

Actress Morgan Fairchild had scarlet fever when she was very young. She says she suffered multiple ear infections and kidney infections when she was little that she believes caused her to become partially deaf.

Ear noises that were probably caused by tinnitus by tinnitus have also affected many other famous people, including the late ABC newsman Peter Jennings, broadcaster Larry King, actor Richard Thomas, and presidents Bill Clinton and the late Ronald Reagan.

If you hear a constant ringing in the ears or ear noises like a hum, hiss, buzz, whoosh or anything else you shouldn’t be hearing, you may have tinnitus. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re you’re going to lose your hearing all together, but it’s definitely a sign that you should visit a specialist to have your hearing checked as soon as possible.

If you want more information on subjects related to this article, click on ear noises and their origins and what causes tinnitus. Neal Kennedy is a retired TV anchor, medical reporter and radio talk show host. He frequently contributes articles to Ear Health and Hearing Problems, a resource website about ear health and wellness.