DEAR ABBY: I have known my husband for eight years and have been married to him for three. He is a unique and funny man, but he does have a few annoying quirks. The biggest one, and the reason I'm writing to you, is his need to have music blaring in our car.
It's not just when we're driving, but also when we're going through drive-thru restaurants, banks and gas stations. Gas stations are the worst because he turns the volume up even louder so he can hear it outside. Not only is it painful to my ears, but it's embarrassing.
I have asked him a number of times to turn it down, but it just leads to arguments. Can you help me talk to him before I lose my hearing? -- BLEEDING EARS IN SPRING VALLEY, CALIF.
DEAR BLEEDING EARS: Could it be that your husband suffers from hearing loss (probably from listening to too-loud music), which is why he needs the volume turned up so high? Arguing with him won't help. He should be checked by an audiologist -- a hearing specialist -- so that he doesn't damage his hearing further, and yours won't be affected.
Protecting your hearing is important. That's why you should consider using ear plugs when you drive with him.
P.S. And when you get to the gas station, offer to pump the gas for him. If he refuses, then leave the car with him.