I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss that as a potential factor, auditory processing issues are known to something that can be connected to ADHD in some people. (Also mentioned by a few other people in the comments.)
Couple of links that go into more details:
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_auditory_attention
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auditory_processing_disorder
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocktail_party_effect
> Additionally, i cannot watch any tv or film produced after about 2000 or so without subtitles, regardless of how fancy the "5.1 surround" center channel DSP is.
IMO that's potentially more because audio engineers for home movie releases are... ok, well, let's just say, "have different opinions on how to mix audio with dialogue than me". :) It's a very common compliant.
> I should have worn hearing protection more when i was younger
Shouldn't we all? :) Still worth trying to protect what you have now--I've used the "Etymotic" brand ear plugs mentioned elsewhere in the comments which are intended to more evenly reduce sound levels without just "muffling" everything.
> but when i can't hear music i enjoy i'll be pretty sad about that.
Indeed. Understandably.