Okay y'all, PSA:
EARPLUGS. They are good shit when going to live music or movie theaters. Nowadays you can get reusable ones for <$15 that don't change the way things sound at all, just make it less loud. The keyword is "flat frequency response".
I've used these ones for years with good results, but there's plenty of other options. https://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-ETY-Plugs-Fidelity-Earplugs-Standard/dp/B0015WJQ7A
Seriously, if you always walk out of movie theaters with a headache, give these a shot.
Yeah I was anxious the first time or two about asking for it but seriously theaters are generally super chill about it. Don't worry about "not needing it enough". If it helps, it helps.
I can hear >95% of things just fine and still use subtitles for everything I can.
Yes, this means I go into movie theaters with both earplugs and subtitles :D
Another movie theaters tip:
They offer subtitles! All you have to do is go up to the front desk and say "hey I'd like a subtitles thingy for <show>".
Most places, it's a long-focal-length screen on a gooseneck that you can position to the edge of your field of view.
At some newer theaters, they have glasses that project the subs directly over the screen.
I use the subs every time.