FWIW, there is a full-page article in today's New York Times called "The
Shushing of the Symphony -- The Noise Police Have Arrived (So Hide That
Trombone)" [Arts & Leisure].

It reports on dangers to symphony orchestra musicans (e.g.
brass/percussion putting out over 130 dB), some of the obstacles to
avoiding it (e.g. job security), some shortcomings of earplugs
(particularly for an acoustic 'group'), and new regulations imposed by
the European Union last February, intended to protect musicians with
directives such as limiting exposure to damaging levels. The article is
available online (registration required):

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/11/ar...ic/11OEST.html

- Brian