You're only BEGINNING to get tinitus? You're ahead of the game! I've been playing for about 2-3 years and I have been diagnosed with it. Fortunately the audiologist said "take a break and it will go away", so I was scrupulous about my ears for a couple months and it cleared up... mostly. I still get ringing every now and again but I can deal with it.

I definately agree with wearing ear-plugs