A painful tale here: http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-35938704
 
137db?? I knew there was a good reason I played percussion in orchestras.  Safely placed at the back I could bang away (Fnarr Fnarr) without too much risk.  Viola section is normally protected from brass by the wind - I'd be more concerned for the 2nd viloins or celli folk, but maybe in the ROH pit they all get crammed together.
 
I'm off to see Madam Butterfly at the ENO in May, but that should be a little quieter than Wagner anyway. 

This is exactly why I don't play the viola.

There has been a lot of condemnation of rock music for initiating this kind of injury, and some adoption of occlusive level limited in-ear earphones to protect rock musicians. It is easier to limit sound levels if they start and stay too loud constantly, but the poor schmucks in classical music have to be able to hear the quiet parts. Still the technology exists to provide some considerable protection to orchestra musicians, if they are willing to give up their tough guy image and use it. 

I completely understand. 

Hi,
 
And we all thought that rock music was the only thing that was loud!
 
Marshall what?