Tinnitus…
I write this blog as a music lover and as a musician. My blog discusses general information, facts, self-help and professional help along with our own story.
Tinnitus is a condition that many people experience, transcending boundaries of age, profession, and lifestyle. As a music lover and musician, it is important to recognise that even if you are not involved in music professionally, the impacts of tinnitus can reach everyone. In the UK alone, about 7.1 million people suffer from prolonged tinnitus, leading to the statistic that 1 in 7 people endure the disruptions of ringing, whooshing, hissing, or buzzing sounds in their ears.
This phenomenon is particularly concerning for musicians. Research indicates that musicians are significantly more likely to experience tinnitus than the general population. Estimates suggest that between 40-50% of musicians encounter tinnitus, primarily due to high instances of noise-induced hearing loss. This heightened risk suggests that musicians are several times more likely to develop tinnitus compared to those outside of music.
The problem extends beyond musicians. Individuals in various high-noise occupations, such as service personnel, construction workers, and factory employees, also find themselves at risk due to consistent exposure to loud environments without adequate hearing protection.
Currently, there is no definitive cure for tinnitus; however, there are management strategies aimed at providing relief. These can include sound therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and lifestyle changes. It is essential to pursue appropriate measures to protect your hearing, particularly in noisy settings, to mitigate the risk of developing tinnitus. Awareness and proactive management can make a significant difference in the quality of life for those affected.
Just to quickly slip this one in!
As we have established, loud environments can be one cause of tinnitus; did you know Alan Yates Music sells ear plugs: https://www.alanyatesmusic.co.uk/hand-voice-care/p/guitar-man-standard-ear-plugs
Tinnitus: An Overview
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a hearing condition characterised by the perception of sound in the ears or head without any external stimulus. Individuals may experience various types of sounds, including ringing, buzzing, roaring, chirping, hissing, or clicking.
Causes of Tinnitus
The precise cause of tinnitus remains unidentified; however, it is frequently linked with hearing loss. Other potential causes include:
Exposure to loud noises
Ear infections
Earwax buildup
Stress and anxiety
Tinnitus may also arise as a symptom of several underlying conditions, such as:
Neurological diseases
Cardiovascular diseases
Ear and sinus infections
Hyperlipidemia
Thyroid disease
Heart and blood vessel problems
Hormonal changes (particularly in women)
Fibromyalgia
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
Sinus pressure
Head injuries
Meniere’s disease (which also leads to vertigo)
Side effects of specific prescription medications
Impact on Individuals
The effects of tinnitus can vary significantly among individuals, influencing aspects such as concentration, memory, sleep quality, and overall mental health. While some may find it a minor irritation, others could experience it as a severely debilitating condition, leading to anxiety and depression.
Our Story
A few years ago, I began experiencing tinnitus intermittently. While my symptoms are not severe, the condition can be frustrating, especially during moments of silence. My ears often produce a persistent ringing or a white noise that can be quite annoying.
Do I know where it stemmed from, yes: it began after attending a Bon Jovi tribute gig. The volume was overwhelming, and we left halfway through, marking the first time I had ever left a concert early. For several days following that event, my hearing was affected, and since then, I have been dealing with tinnitus on and off. A single night that was meant to be enjoyable ended up having a lasting impact on my life.
In the time since, I have noticed patterns that trigger my flare-ups. As a working musician. My husband, Alan and I perform gigs throughout the UK, often putting ourselves in a range of auditory environments. Picture a lively club: we’re playing our instruments while the audience revels in the atmosphere. As the venue fills up, the collective noise escalates. The punters are singing at the top of their voices, shouting to one another, laughing. The bar staff are jingling glasses, the tills are beeping, so many noises from so many different directions. To ensure we can be heard, we have to raise our volume, in turn contributing to the cacophony. At the end of an exciting night, when your emotions are buzzing and the noise dissipates, the buzzing of tinnitus can set in.
Another significant factor in my tinnitus journey is earwax. It turns out that I have a condition often referred to as 'sticky ear', which leads to excessive earwax production. This, too, contributes to the ringing and discomfort associated with tinnitus.
Despite these challenges, my love for music endures, reminding me of both its power and its consequences.
For my husband Alan, the relationship with music intertwines with both joy and challenge. Having gigged since childhood, Alan's passion for music has been a lifelong journey. Before embarking on his self-employed venture with Alan Yates Music, he worked in construction, which exposed him to daily noise from equipment. This early work experience contributed to the development of tinnitus, compounded by his musical career.
As a child, Alan was drawn to the banjo ukulele, an instrument renowned for its volume and bright sound, which does not require amplification to be heard. This aspect of his musical upbringing further intensified the effects of the noise surrounding him. Today, he navigates life with full-time tinnitus and in the latter years we have noticed he has a slight hearing loss, which results in moments of missed communication between husband and wife, I say something he doesn’t hear. I sometimes ponder of whether the missed comments are due to his hearing condition or simply selective hearing—LOL.
Through these challenges, Alan has maintained an unwavering commitment to his music, blending his experiences into a rich tapestry of creative expression while managing the realities of his tinnitus.
As for my father, he struggled with hearing from being a child and eventually he did go deaf. It was because of losing his hearing that he developed and suffered with tinnitus. He would hear whistles and get headaches, to which didn’t really improve with a hearing aid. When the batteries were on the way out, the hearing aid would emit a high-pitched whine, leaving my dad asking, “Is that me or my hearing aid?”
The loss of hearing and the tinnitus added to his frustration. As his hearing world began to fade away his world became a place filled with echoes of sounds he could no longer understand, pin point with clarity it was all just one big noise. When full hearing loss came about, his experience was not just one of silence but isolation, but visually, until his eyes failed him as well, what he could see would remind him of what he had lost and what he could no longer fully enjoy.
The above is three very different stories, all within the same family.
Tinnitus Awareness Week serves as an important reminder to prioritise our hearing health. Protecting your hearing should be a fundamental practice in daily life, especially in environments with loud noises. Simple measures, such as using earplugs in noisy settings and limiting exposure to high volume sounds, can significantly reduce the risk of hearing loss and tinnitus.
At the very first signs of hearing issues—such as ringing in the ears, difficulty following conversations, or sensitivity to sound—it is essential to seek professional help. Early intervention can often lead to effective management and can greatly improve overall quality of life. Don't wait for symptoms to worsen; taking proactive steps now can safeguard your hearing for the future. Remember, prevention and early diagnosis are key to maintaining good auditory health.
SELF-HELP & PROFESSIONAL HELP:
It is imperative to schedule an appointment with your general practitioner (GP). If necessary, they will refer you to your local ENT (ears, nose and throat) department for further evaluation. Early action can help identify the cause of the problem and facilitate appropriate treatment, ensuring that your hearing health is not compromised. Remember that prompt attention can lead to better outcomes in managing any underlying issues.
There are private audiology services available that can be beneficial for those concerned about their hearing health. One such professional who I go to is Rizwan Ibrahim from SINE Ear Care, who I personally rely on for maintaining my ear health. Which reminds me, it’s time to book another appointment as I can feel the build-up of wax and hear the slight ringing as I type this blog!
Rizwan has been instrumental in identifying issues beyond mere wax accumulation. For example, he was the one who uncovered that my husband’s slight hearing loss or as I put it, selective, weren't due to wax but rather an actually hearing issue.
For anyone in Blackpool seeking the expertise of an audiologist, I highly recommend Rizwan. https://sine-earcare.com/
Maintaining ear health is crucial, especially for musicians. Ear problems and a career in music are a challenging combination to navigate!
There is, of course, the well-known search engine Google, or even the emerging capabilities of AI that can provide information. However, if you are searching for information and, more importantly, looking for support regarding tinnitus, I would recommend ‘Tinnitus UK’. This organisation is the only charity in the UK dedicated exclusively to assisting those affected by tinnitus. They offer free support to anyone living with or caring for someone with this condition. If you require help or resources, Tinnitus UK is a valuable point of contact. https://tinnitus.org.uk/
So, listen up, are you hearing me? LOOK AFTER THEM LUGS!!!
It is a beautiful thing to hear the words from a loved one when they whisper sweet nothings in your ear. The moment a parent hears their child’s first words is truly special. Listening to that song that holds a precious memory is more powerful than words can express. As the saying goes, “where words fail, music speaks.”
Protection and prevention are key. Don’t forget, you can buy your earplugs from us at Alan Yates Music. Safeguard your hearing so you can continue to enjoy those unforgettable moments.
Alyson Yates
Alan Yates Music.