Musicians and Tinnitus

I have long been both intrigued and inspired by the biographies of notable musicians throughout the ages—some even not-so-notable. A growing section of my home library represents musician biographies in book form. As a confessed “bibliophile” (book collector), I tend to prefer the printed page, as e-devices generate undue strain on my overly-sensitive eyes (“Blue Eyes Are Sensitive To The Light” – a song written and performed by a friend of mine, long ago, and viewable on YouTube).

What most intrigues me about musician biographies are the human elements of one’s story; the trials, the struggles, the mistakes, set-back’s, hurdles, disappointments, failed relationships, and painful journeys throughout the development of musical ability (especially for those who were not born-prodigies). I for one, was not born with any musical ability, and have struggled painstakingly for 4 decades to arrive at but an intermediate level of playing.

It is when I learn of musicians suffering at any point in their journeys, to include physical ailments, the story then feels much “closer to home” for me, as it tugs at the suffering I too have endured, and strikes a “sympathetic note” in my soul. Such is the case with those who have suffered the condition of Tinnitus—ringing in the brain—most casually described as “ringing in the ears” (in fact, it is rooted in the brain itself—and expresses itself outward—through the ears).

With increasing frequency I learn of musicians who suffer tinnitus at varying levels. This brief post speaks to such.

On 100s of occasions during the 25 years that I have suffered a very high level of tinnitus, I have reached for one of my guitars to immediately engage playing, to escape and to mask the piercing squeal in my head. Conversely thereafter, what can otherwise readily cripple me mentally and emotionally, has very often served a springboard to propel me into playing more often. Such is not unlike the stories of those I’ve read over many years, who have used their handicap or struggle to propel them into a dimension of music creation which may otherwise never have occurred (i.e., they have “...been made perfect, in weakness...” - a familiar phrase of antiquity).

I recently posted a very candid video segment of my story in this regard, on my YouTube channel. The reader may view such on the “My Videos” page herein (video entitled “Overcoming Catastrophic Tinnitus”). My hope, is that if the reader suffers the same, my story will serve to encourage you in your musical journey.

Music is a mystery—a mystery which poses possibilities—perhaps possibilities which include the creation of beautiful melodies and stories—despite the suffering which is often responsible for their creation.