Please protect your ears..

[just strum]

...There is this one basement jam session including a drummer where when I attend again I am sure I should wear them...

good point, those drummers can talk your ear off.

 

[Rocket]

...I could just turn it down, but I like to feel it a little.

Uh-huh... that is the thing, isn't it?
Same with performing in noise-restricted venues... feels cold, sounds bland, and difficult to meld & merge without that "pulse".

 

[just strum]

http://www.abelard.org/hear/hear.php#question