I have the ringing, also, wore aids for several years after retiring in 2000, but my hearing returned! My doc is baffled. But...the ringing still persists. It gets worse if I run a router or go flying, but when I shoot, I wear earplugs AND muffs! I shudder to think what my 38 special would do to the ringing if I shot without them!!!
So...if you work in a high noise environment, listen to us old guys and wear protection!!! You'll be glad you did.