Seriously, though. I had someone shoot a 7MM mag rifle off right next to my head on a hunting trip several years ago. It wasn't completely the shooters fault, but partly mine for not giving him a better signal on when to shoot so I could plug my ears. Couldn't hear a thing for three days except extreme ringing. It never has been quite the same since. And many years of playing rock music in a band at too high of levels with no hearing protection are probably taking their toll as well.

Is there any cheaper way to go with dual volume besides stepped attenuators? You can drop a hell of a lot of cash on just those!