I'm almost 63 and I agree with you but at the same time I've never used hearing protection and don't like things covering or stuck in my ears. I've been doing this lawn stuff for over 40 years and used all types of equipment and can still hear, now to say I haven't suffered some hearing loss over the years I'd probably be lying. Hearing loss can also come with Old age. I would however advise any one starting in the business to wear hearing and eye protection starting out but I wouldn't force them to do so.