Back in the 60s and 70s, many medical professionals already suspected that listening to loud rock music for hours on end might 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 aging boomers who grew up and lived their adult lives listening to loud 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 will result in hearing problems as you get older.

For proof, just check out the number of “veteran” rock musicians 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, in addition to listening to super-amplified playbacks during studio recording sessions.

Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood 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.

Musicians from the well known groups Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers and My Bloody Valentine have also lost at least a percentage of their hearing through the years.

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 due to a prop that exploded on the set during the filming of a Star Trek episode more than 40 years ago.

Steve Martin, the actor and comedian, acquired tinnitus while filming a pistol-shooting scene in “¡Three Amigos!” in 1986.

Constant ringing in the ears has been a problem for some famous people for a long time - even before they became famous, 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 news sources in the United Kingdom.

Actress Morgan Fairchild had scarlet fever when she was very young. She says she had so many kidney infections and ear infections as a child that she admits she is “partially deaf” as a result.

Constant ear noises that have probably been caused 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.

Having tinnitus is not an indication that you’re going to lose your hearing completely. But if you hear constant ringing in the ears, or noises like a whirr, hum, buzz, whoosh or any sound that shouldn’t be there, you should definitely see a specialist for a hearing exam as soon as you can.

If you want to learn more information on topics related to this article, click on what causes mysterious ear noises and ringing in the ears. Neal Kennedy is a retired TV anchor, medical reporter and radio talk show host. He is a frequent contributor to You and Your Ears, a resource website about ear health and wellness.