Amp placement in a band and hearing

[Lazy_McDoesnothing]

First off here's a diagram of our practice space that I made up in paint:
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/2903/basementhh4.png
Should be self-explanitory.

Basically the problem is that sometimes I can't hear myself but everyone else can hear me fine.  The same goes for other band members, they can't hear themselves but hear others fine.  Usually when this happens somebody turns their amp up and then somebody else can't hear what they're playing so they turn up too and eventually it just gets out of hand.  We even tried standing in each others' places but it didn't change all that much.  

Is there a better way to arrange our equipment or better places to stand?  Pretty much everything is facing each other so it seems all the noise is getting tangled up or something.  Is it better to spread the amps and drums apart more or turn them in some way?

Does anybody else have this problem?

[hunter]

I would try placing the two guitar amps next to the drum set, opposite the players. Means if you keep your position, put your amp to the side of the snare/hihat, and singers amp next to the floor tom.

This might fix it. Experimenting is always the best way to the cure, good luck!

[Lazy_McDoesnothing]

Thanks, I'll try that next week.  Any suggestion is a good one so keep 'em coming!

After leaving band practice with my ears ringing loudly again I decided enough is enough.  I also just ordered some of these: http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx

[38thBeatle]

Or, put the bass amp next to the drums on one side, your amp on the other side of the kit and the PA speakers opposite  with the singers amp next to the bass amp. Turn everything down to level where you could still talk over and get a balance and then once you start playing  and the drummer starts pounding away like there is no tomorrow( as they do) all agree to increase in proportion to one another. You should not leave a practice with your ears ringing-not good- you will regret it in 10 years time.

[Ratrod]

Get some distance between you and your amp. This goes for the other guitarist and bassist as well. If possible, lift your amp on a platform and tilt it upwards.