Do drummers, after many years of playing, eventually lose their hearing?

Go For It! I've been playing drums for over 40 years and don't regret it one bit. My hearing lost is due to sitting right beside the guitar and bass Amps, not from playing drums. Having said that, I should have used ear plugs but it wasn't cool so now I pay the price. For me playing drums is a stress release and of course I'm still playing in a rock band. I highly recommend it!

If it is just the drummer by him/herself I think not. The drums project sound that travels away form the drummer. Now if the drummer is playing while two other people are jamming on guitar at very loud levels I imagine that drummers can lose their hearing after a while.

Probably if they are playing in a band, where they are constantly surrounded by the loud noise. In a song alone, hearing it, I can /feel/ the drum in my ears. So I'd assume that it's that times a thousand suns to the drummer playing it. If they wear proper earplugs while playing though, then they should be fine.

Hope this helps!

WHAT?! I can't hear you!

EDIT: On a serious note, I have lost some hearing. Wear earplugs if you are concerned.

I think I have to go...I thought they were gonna call me like an hour ago!

what?! did you say something?