Most clubs have alot of mid-bass region not just for its punchiness but because our body cavities resonate best at that area (150-180hz) ..so it says in my text book. But sub-bass creates more of a wave, especially during our beloved frequency sweeps, i.e. makes you feel all floaty and weak-knee when you're all sauced up :P

Did you know it's illegal in the UK to be exposed to above 95 dBA at work without ear protection, you know the kind of thing you see on people with those pneumatic drills - so over here clubs that don't enforce this on their DJs and bar staff (and who does? no-one!) are actually in breach of their license!!!

Every club should have Genelec 1033As with subwoofer.

Hey Joel, we do have similar laws.. but yup, no one enforce it at parties. I brought a decibel meter to some parties before, highest level recorded was at 128.4 dB (in a happy hardcore room, next to the speakers)

It's always good practice to bring a set of ear plugs since they cut out the piercing treble (most damaging obviously).

I doubt OSHA does a lot of check ups on clubs while they are open. Maybe they should. I know if we had that kind of sound level at the plant I work at, there would be some major fines.

DJ's don't have to worry as much as the rest of us because they are usually behind the speakers and often have headphones on queing up the next song.

ummm... you think the DJs don't have to put the headphones pretty damn loud to hear above the speakers AND the monitors they have pointed at them?
One of my DJing friends (not even really professional, yet) says he already is down to 20% hearing in the ear he puts his headphones on.... one of the pitfalls of the hobby/occupation I suppose.

That's bad. How old is he/she? Human hearing is at it's best at 18 years old and then steadily gets worse. If he's lost that much hearing, he really should do something about it soon or he'll be buggered.

I always mix records with both headphones on. This means I attenuate the loudness and can have the headphones at a reasonable level. If you buy a really good pair of closeback headphones you can get loads of attenuation ie protect your ears.