This Almost Ended My Career! - Tinnitus and Musicians

[@simonwhalley1743]

Tinnitus is miserable. I ended up having after years playing in bands and then moving to on to DJing. I’m the same as you - so hypersensitive to some noises now. Even really quiet noises can make me jump and set off more ringing. I hate hearing people chewing food now as well. I’ve learned to not stress about these days. Focusing on it makes it much worse. I’ve realised that the brain habituates to it after a while, so if it spikes I know it will subside after a while. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@JasonLoughlinMusic]

Glad you’re sharing this. I know we’ve talked about it a million times but it really has change me my decision making around what gigs I say yes to and how often. The depression that can come from it isn’t talked about enough. It can be a tricky thing to navigate for sure.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks man. Yeah some of those gigs just ain’t worth it.

[@cognoscenticycles4351]

Thanks for sharing your story. It's important that musicians speak publicly about this. It's bothered me for quite some time that famous musicians like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Eric Johnson and a long list of other players have been rather tight lipped about their struggles with tinnitus. They should be rather vocal about exposing oneself to loud concerts and playing music with no hearing protection. I got severely debilitating tinnitus about 11 years ago. It was so bad that I had to be hospitalised because I just couldn't sleep. I was hearing as many as 6 different sounds in my head simultaneously. I also suffered from extreme hyperacusis, which eventually ceased. My tinnitus came about from a bad ear infection and not from playing guitar since 1969. I still play guitar but I was forced to put the Strat under the bed and I am only playing acoustic guitar these days. I have done endless research on tinnitus and I am currently writing a book on the subject in hopes of helping others who suffer from this terrible affliction. I have had some success in my tinnitus journey. Some days I experience complete silence and other days I still wrestle with the dragon, but things are improving. I am confident that I will one day find the silence that I lost 11 years ago. Best of luck in your search for a quiet head. .

[@lamontprospect9974]

Thank you for sharing and for your honesty. I'm 65 and I started playing electric guitar 2 years ago. So I wouldn't bother the neighbors I bought a Fender mustang micro headphone amplifier. I thought I was keeping the volume at a safe level, but I don't know what else could have caused my tinnitus.

[@cognoscenticycles4351]

@@lamontprospect9974 It was Pete Townsend, guitarist from the Who, who claims he got his tinnitus from headphones in the studio. He said the headphones were cranked so that was dangerous. The problem with headphones in particular is the fact that the sound is travelling such a short distance that the ear doesn't have the time to react to any volume changes and frequency changes. There's also nowhere for the sound to go because your ear is completely covered. I would cease using headphones for guitar practise unless you keep it at whisper volumes. Just my two cents!

[@JasonNoto]

​@@cognoscenticycles4351there are open ear headphones too as an option that rest on the ears and over the ears but not in the ears and not covering the ears, so surrounding sounds can be heard and the Soundwave is less directly on the eardrum, however low enough volumes / low enough decibels is still best to not be loud

[@JasonNoto]

​​@@cognoscenticycles4351there are open ear headphones too that don't cover the ear nor in the ear that provides more surrounding sounds, however low enough volumes and decibels are still best

[@johntebeau4493]

I've had it for 27 years. Learning guitar and bought a ROCKMAN X-100 by Scultz(sp) which come with headset.- just an unbelievable wall of sound and one evening got to loving those high notes and the next day It started along with diagnosed high frequency hearing loss. Then similar path to yours. Still play some and carry earplugs,especially to movies,etc. The hearing loss is just as miserable. Take heed everyone. Thanks for sharing your experience and advice.

[@centerfoldstands2750]

Thanks for sharing. I’m going on ten years with tinnitus and like you protected my ears faithfully. Unfortunately, a viral infection took away most of my hearing in one ear five years ago. I didn’t get to a doctor quick enough to get steroids and the hearing loss is permanent. I now have hearing aids which has made an enormous improvement in the level of perception of the tinnitus because of the auditory stimulation of the hearing aids. For those with tinnitus and hearing loss which both usually go together DONT WAIT. Get fitted with hearing aids, the emotional burden and impacts of both conditions can be changed and improved immediately.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Man, that’s terrible. No one tells you about that stuff. I hadn’t heard about the viral thing until my Dr put me in the steroids then my family members I mentioned. Sorry to hear that.

[@johntebeau4493]

I agree, the hearing aids help and have white noise options as well. Downside is with them in, I can hear some annoying higher frequency sounds. 😂…..

[@joeylodes]

Thank you for posting this Jeff. Catastrophic tinnitus , hyperacusis , and vertigo ended my playing and my career. I’ve been now deemed disabled by the Social Security Administration since 2021. Like you I was always protecting my ears. Never did a gig or rehearsal without protection … but in my case my ears were destroyed from the inside out … by the antibiotic Gentamicin. One I.V. In my arm …. and it’s completely altered my life ever since. I have high hopes for Dr. Susan Shore’s device being submitted to the FDA by the company Auricle , as it may be the first definitive treatment of Tinnitus. It Improved patients sounds in their head by an average of 65% in a double blind / placebo controlled study and so far those improvements appear to be permanent. Take care , Jeff and thank you again for posting this. The more people know it just takes one slip up to permanently damage your hearing , the less tinnitus will affect and alter people lives. Peace ✌️

[@JeffMcErlain]

Joey , I’m really sorry to hear this happened. The ototoxicity of antibiotics aren’t something we think about, or are told. Man, you have my deepest sympathies about this. I can only imagine what a nightmare it is. I am also looking forward to the treatment you’re talking about as it seems to be the only one with some efficacy. Hopefully some point they will take care of this and I hope you were first in line. All the best man.

[@joeylodes]

@@JeffMcErlain Thank you 🙏 brother. I always say to myself … could be worse. So we need to all be thankful for what we have. Keep up the great 👍 playing

[@rudym999]

Thank you for touching on this Jeff. My wife Stella, who was a great jazz oriented singer, suffers from tinnitus and hyper-acousis (a killing combination) which ended her singing career (and my role as her guitar player). It is good to talk about this subject because folks that do not have this condition just do not understand it at all.

[@peterflihan3]

Thanks for shining a light on this difficult condition, Jeff. My trigger was a 2017 root canal operation. The first week and the audiologist telling me that it was probably permanent threw me into an incredible depression for quite some time. But, as you say, denial of it and focusing on it only leads back to that dark place. For me, a gentle rolling surf can mask it pretty well. However, that is not a daily option. The best therapy I find is matching it with gentle and soothing music; which is one of the reasons that I am taking serious lessons for the first time in 40 years. If there is going to be a sound in our heads anyway, let's make it a joyful and creative one. Be well.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks for sharing. Man a root canal. So many things can cause it. An MRI can do it too. Best of luck and enjoy the good sounds.

[@magicmoo]

Thank you for sharing this. I'm a 41 years old mixing engineer and artist who's always tried to be careful by wearing custom made plugs most of the time outside of the studio. Unfortunately, I wasn't as careful in the studio and simply worked and enjoyed myself for too long during a few days three weeks ago... Been experiencing a constant highpitched ring ever since and just figured out myself that I have asymmetrical hearing loss around 12-14Khz (way more on the right side). I lost what seems to be huge part of stereo depth, which is making me really sad and, well, the tinnitus itself has proven to be absolute hell at night, as I'm a light sleeper. I'm still not able to sleep without medication and I'm even scared to try it now, because of how depressing things get otherwise... the sense of dread this sound feels like and how it just skyrockets when lying down can really get overwhelming and the fact that this thing can basically wake me up 30 minutes after finally managing to fall asleep is just soul-crushing. I still have a bit of hope it will go away, but if not, it's been reassuring to see so many accounts of people managing to live with this. I know there will probably be many more hardships to come, but I'm grateful that there are so many ressources online talking about this. Doing a little bit better every night now thanks to these and hopefully it will get bearable soon.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Ah man. Hang in there. It’s a beast, since it is so new, there is a good chance that it will calm down. I’m sure you researched all these things like spikes that happen, etc. Y do end up getting used to it as well, for the most part. All I can say is try to get some help and talk to people about it because you are definitely not alone. Be sure to check any medication that someone gives you like NSIDs or antibiotics for side effects as tinnitus is often one of them. Usually not permanent but once you have it it can easily be exacerbated. All the best and hang in there.

[@magicmoo]

​@@JeffMcErlain Thank you for your answer Jeff. Much appreciated ! Yes, you're right. I've been talking about it as much as possible to the people around me. What surprised me the most is the amount of people that suffer from this affliction in "silence". Even from the one I knew they had it, I couldn't seem to understand just how debilitating it was at time until I got it...

[@ljr8819]

Its so good to hear a brother in sound Jeff. I have lived with it now for a good 20 years .

[@meeno_the_man]

I remember that excitement at 10 years old coming home from my first AC/DC show with my ears ringing like cathedral bells. Several decades later the affections for the booming music hasn’t ebbed one bit, but the appreciation for tearing one’s body apart has turned the corner toward a more yogic approach to preservation….

[@meeno_the_man]

@JeffMcErlain. Scammers are just about as cool as Trump. You should think about a better line of work.

[@kennyblankenship913]

My onset of tinnitus happened in the early ‘80’s when I was stationed on board an aircraft carrier as a radar technician. The radar rooms I worked in were in the island of the ship with key blast happening almost daily when cruising. Also, our berthing area (where we slept) was at one point next to the catapults and later just beneath flight deck, so loud noise pretty much always. It comes and goes and I guess I’ve learned how to deal with it.

[@davidroe1547]

I’ve had it for 15 yrs….. too many years standing right next to the snare drum and a heavy handed drummer…. The only comfort I can offer is that the longer you live with it the more you don’t notice it. I’m still amazed watching Dan & Mick on TPS playing at 105 db without protection in a small room. Thanks for being so open and honest…

[@trbr1799]

Totally agree on the TPS comment! Scratch my head regularly and am a bit jealous! 😆

[@JeffMcErlain]

They have invited when I’m in England, no way could I be in that room at that volume without major ear protection. 😳

[@sammyrothrock6981]

They must have tough ears!

[@johnmac8084]

Me too Jeff. I used to fight it. You're right, the best thing is to accept it, and don't dwell on it.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Yup. It’s a process.

[@tombeatty4792]

Thanks for this, Jeff. I am a fellow sufferer. And I'm not even a very good guitar player. How unfair is that! I can relate to the suffering and the depression. Tinnitus gives me almost a feeling of claustrophobia. It's literally in your head and it feels like you can't escape it. Another name you can add to the musician list is Dave Grohl. He has talked openly (KZbin) about his struggles and that he has, essentially, been reading people's lips for many years due to his hearing loss. People should also be aware that certain medications can make tinnitus worse. Likewise, withdrawing from certain drugs can worsen symptoms. Thank you again. It's an important topic.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Yes! The claustrophobic feeling! Terrible. That’s right about Grohl, I forgot. Vaccines can cause it too or exacerbate it. I found that out the hard way.

[@chrisg5271]

Yeah very much what you say Geoff fortunately for me it’s not too bad, but my cause is from many years of noisy flight decks no so much loud music, although that does happen sometimes. I absolutely agree it’s worse when your thinking about it and other times completely forget it’s there !

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

I've been dealing with tinnitus for decades. One thing I've learned that "helps" in some cases is keeping loose traps (shoulders) and neck muscles. I had read somewhere that tinnitus can be triggered by tension in the neck and shoulders. I then noticed that the ringing was worse when I slept wrong and had a stiff neck. So, a daily shoulder and neck massage can help. Or just stretching these muscles might help reduce the intensity of the ringing. Also, (and this is a weird one), you know how you can put your index finger in your inner cheek, then fling the finger across the inner cheek until it quickly exits the mouth and makes a popping sound? It's silly, and I don't know how else to describe it, but do something similar with your ear canal. Push your fingertip into your ear canal until it most of the air is displaced. Hold it there for 5-10 seconds or so, wiggle it, then swipe your fingertip out like the cheek example. That also helps temporarily decrease the intensity of the ringing for me. If anyone else has tinnitus, tries these things, and these suggestions work for you, let me know. I'd love to hear that I helped someone with their tinnitus.

[@fepatton]

I’m a drummer who has (yes really) always taken care of my hearing. I’ve had tinnitus for at least 20 years, and I can identify a couple of specific instances that brought it on and made it worse, none music related. (I’m sure drumming set me up for failure, though.) I play primarily on an electronic drum kit now, using in-ears at low volume. I also limit the amount of playing I do. Stress reduction classes and exercises can help a lot.

[@aidantod33]

Jeff, your friend from London. Gutted for you mate , but you have got the right attitude and approach to keep going. Thanks for sharing. It is both a warming and an encouragement. Peace and joy to you Jeff, peace and joy.

[@CateB66]

I’m 57 with the hearing of a 16yr old. My tinnitus was brought on by a doctor incorrectly prescribing me a diabetic medication 4 times the correct dose. Having gotten over being violently sick for 9 straight days, I realised I had the piercing ringing in my right ear, the exact same pitch you played at the start of the clip. I’m already ‘living’ with cptsd, I live alone with no family. Without wanting to be a defeatist, I honestly don’t know if I want to live with it. It’s unbearable

[@markspencer1203]

Thank you for this I’ve had it all my life

[@mborel]

Thanks for the video, Jeff. I've had mild tinnitus for a long time, but it's been manageable for me. I remember Al Di Meola saying he had planned to retire from music because his tinnitus was so bad, but he was able to find some special ear plugs that let him still play acoustic guitar, so he was able to perform again.

[@JeffMcErlain]

The technology has improved greatly since the foam earplugs.

[@peckermusic]

Thanks Jeff. It was the combination of small stage, a particularly powerful drummer and my right ear in close proximity to the crash cymbal for me. Had tinnitus for 8 years now and feels like it has followed the same pattern (spikes and then falls back). Good to hear other people describing their experience

[@adyuriar]

Great PSA.

[@MrPopestar]

Hey Jeff, sorry to hear about that. Tinnitus is a funny old thing (well its not) - I've had it for years as well on and off, however as I've got older I've come to realise its really a mental issue rather than a physical for me. The mind body connection should not be over looked. Like you, I get it when tired, stressed and lack of sleep mostly. I find not focusing or thinking about it - but mostly not stressing about it works the best in making it disappear. Getting physically really tired works wonders for me - lots and lots of exercise outside so I'm physically bone tired (not mental) and cut the caffeine down. I sleep like a baby and a few days of hard labour out in the garden and a couple of great nights sleep sorts me out. Anything (like meditation) that releases the stress/anxiety helps, along when I get into bed, to take a minute or 2 of 'letting the stresses/worries of the day' slip away and move on helps.

[@50Something]

Jeff, I have been experimenting with an earthing/grounding bed sheet for over a week and it has significantly reduced chronic pain and anxiety. I just had a look and people treat tinnitus this way as well, with good results. I used to get an annoying throbbing in my ear by just one sip of beer so I quit for a long time. And finally ensure that you have a no alcohol policy for your drummers, it makes them hit the skins/cymbals like a sasquatch 😂

[@JeffMcErlain]

I’ll check them out!!

[@CateB66]

Can you tell me more about this bedsheet please and what country you’re in? I’m Australian so hoping it’s something available here also. Thx

[@Theseasider69]

Mine is called gunshot tinnitus - caused by, yes you guessed it, gunshots! when training for Service in Afghanistan. That plus numerous years of helicopter rides have left me with similar continuous noise to the one you played as an example. To say that it is wearing is an understatement. It’s constantly there and has left me with poor quality sleep leading to exhaustion and depression. Guitar is my only real outlet in life and fortunately I’m still ok with it, but I know it’s going to deteriorate. This needs to be talked about more and we need to lose the bravado that seems to exist around hearing - you wouldn’t point a laser in your eyes - don’t take chances with your ears and hearing. Thanks for sharing Jeff.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks for sharing that. The noise apps or podcasts really help on the nights when it worse. Yours sound much more intense than mine. Hang in there.

[@g.mcca.1924]

Thanks Jeff for addressing this issue, and it's not just for musicians. I've had similar problems after working in noisy newsrooms for decades with loud announcements and such often blaring overhead. With concerts now coming back, went to see Deep Purple at Budokan a few weeks ago and made sure to wear earplugs. No difficulties after the show or the following day. Here's hoping you can continue gigging yourself, but remember you've got a substantial audience of us guitar enthusiasts depending on your guidance as well. Keep the faith sir!

[@markdunscomb]

Thanks so much for being open about the struggles you are working through. My story is the same; I've been careful all my life and one night struggling with in ears this past winter did it. The sound is constant and most of the time I'm able to ignore it but I have difficulty hearing people in crowds. Both sad and frustrating all the time.

[@TracyLanebike]

This is not discussed enough in modern society. Thanks, Jeff.

[@shaunmcarthur3616]

Wild. Exactly how I got it. A Keith Moon protégé and I were jamming in a cement block basement and his left crash got me. Haven't found any solution in 30 years, except for meditation.

[@phildohogne1970]

Or, injuries in general. I changed the size of my neck because of something you said on this broadcast.

[@agriff4795]

My tinnitus started back in the mid 1990's, a drummer sat in with the band I was in. He was on my left (I was the bassist) and he bashed the ride cymbal so hard (we were playing "Freebird") that for the first time ever in my life my left ear HURT for a week. I showed up for the next gig wearing shooters earplugs as they allow you to hear like normal, but only reduce the volume of loud noises. The guitarist starts giving me a hard time about wearing earplugs, as his former bassist wore them, and in his opinion, was the reason he wasn't a very good player. My left ear has been ringing ever since that night 26 years ago. I don't have to wear plugs anymore as I'm now retired from gigging (I'm 62) but I can still play at a "good loud" volume without pain or further damage to my ears. Most of my old friends on the Atlanta music scene are suffering from tinnitus also, some suffer worse than others, I understand your problem, and yes, you aren't alone in this! Rock on, Jeff!!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Similar stories!

[@A.JayWeber]

I've had black n white thinking struggles. (its something I'm working on) each day my mind will start saying. "I will not play music with this. When its CURED ill come back or I just never come back " punish the universe sort of bull dog anger. I'm wanting to quit music school because I get crippling disgust hearing people be happy in music with perfect ears. I remember I didn't want to do objectively dumb zoom school anyways. IRL or nothing. My studio -even one day a week - feels like punishment mocking me. I don't want to be this way, and I know there are worse problems, but its what I'm dealing with with Tinnitus.

[@davidyelland908]

Very well done Jeff, a very detailed and accurate description. I have had tinnitus for 33 years. Caused in exactly the same way….cymbals. Just like you it was that sudden event. Everything else you say mirrors my experience perfectly. My doctor told me the same in that my hearing was otherwise fine. However, he said I was pretty much stuck with it. All gigging stopped. I played acoustic guitar and unplugged electrics only. Better news now. After 3 years I suddenly realised that the tinnitus noise had largely disappeared contrary to what the doctor had told me. Just like you, any loud noise will bring it back so I have to be careful. I managed to return to gigging via an acoustic duo. Safely behind the PA and no on stage amps. With the advent of modellers, I can now at least gig with a backing track and minimal monitor volume. The UA Ox has been a revelation at home and I can finally use my amps at home (although I rarely use a guitar speaker). As far as bands go….best avoided unless the drummer can control themself. The biggest annoyance now is people going on about the virtue of gigging with real amps and the failings of modellers (Tom Bukovac excepted) As if I didn’t know! It is not like I have much choice.

[@viv2199]

Fantastic and, IMO, the most important video you have ever posted. I have tinnitus despite being a hobbyist guitar player, albeit probably 15 years older than you. Had it for about 7 years, saw an ENT and audiologist, have decreased high frequency hearing in right ear. I *really* appreciate the information you’ve shared here. This video is a great Public Health Service Announcement. Thank you , Jeff!🙏🏻👍🏻

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks and sorry you suffer with it as well. It’s a bear.

[@J.Carter69]

Thanks for sharing this Jeff. I also have similar symptoms but I'm only aware of it when I sit in silence ( which is rare). We must take care of what we have......some things are irreplacable.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks Jason!!

[@glensinclair5422]

Been living with it since my twenties 'got it from working underground in the mines 'just got to ignore it I've got pretty good at it most of the time I don't hear it' but when I think about it to much it gets louder I'm now 58

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

As a teenager I went to a lot of concerts in the early 80s, no hearing protection; as a former Coastie I spent a lot of time in the engine room(s), where we were required to wear not only earplugs, but earmuffs; then I went on to work in various warehouses; and eventually became an electrician, and have worked construction for the last ~25 years. Not to mention playing in a variety of bands over the last 20+ years. As the old joke goes, I have elevenitus. It's a constant companion. Loud noises often make it worse (such as a chop saw cutting metal studs). It's always there, it just varies in volume. I haven't always been diligent about my hearing, and I have some hearing loss along with it. So, yeah. Take care of your hearing. Thanks, Jeff 🙏🏻

[@1thommyberlin]

Jaysus Jeff, I'm sorry you have to deal with that. Oddly I don't have it - and I played loud. Two and three half stacks loud. I never wore protection while playing, but always do when I go out. Also my left ear is my sensitive one so always play with my right ear to the drummer. I'm 65, and played out about as much as I was able to without being signed, and these days I no longer rehearse or perform with 100 w Marshalls and 4 x 12 cabs. I used the Marshall 40 watt combos. See I need that 'the amp is about to blow up' sound, and the way to get it without killing people's ears is to go low wattage. anyway, we've all had our demons, mine is numb hands, and being a morning person (Ha ha ha, God), and being in love with loud rock music. Hope all's rockin' sweetly for you Jeff - another excellent video!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Consider yourself lucky!!!!

[@adylp7818]

I really appreciate you sharing this and like you said, the most helpful thing is to talk about it with others. Thanks for prompting the discussion.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@blackie75]

I've had it since playing in bands at 14 as well but mine is a low frequency buzz, something like a car running a couple of doors down from your house, or right by it if it's bad. Thankfully it's eased in my 40s, but I'm quite careful now and I sleep with rain sounds every night to counter it.

[@abefroman1970]

I have suffered with this for years. My ringing is a high pitch that is constant. Thanks for bringing up the topic.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks for being here and I feel your pain.

[@andrewdarnley4608]

Hey Jeff, I've had tinnitus since the mid nineties. It started when I was about 40 and has been going ever since. Mine is like the swirling and pulsing sound of cicadas on a summers day. I was a teacher then living here in rural Australia so I didn't get a chance to get to loud concerts. I've been told now my hearing is average for my age even though there's ringing going all the time. But these days I don't even hear it unless I focus on it. Just keep up your great work mate cause I need you here and over at Truefire.

[@GitShiddy]

So true about the "one mistake". For me that was when I was jamming with a friend at SPL I dare not touch now, but we were teens so of course. He turned up the presence on his JCM900 hit a weird harmonic note on a strum & immediately blew my ear out. I put the guitar I was playing down instantly and let my ears rest (and bleed). We didn't play the rest of the night. Ever since I've had intermittent high frequency ringing, that is up until a few years ago where now it's constant, it's quiet, but it's always there. Meaning I can no longer enjoy silence.

[@JeffMcErlain]

So many similar stories. That one time …

[@AndyH2O]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm a fellow tinnitus sufferer since the mid 1990s when we used to play very loudly in our rehearsal space, basically I have a background sound of the cymbals with me for life. As you pointed out it gets worse with illness and also when other life pressures build up, I rue not wearing ear protection at the time, I do so at every practice session now.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Such a common story! Thanks for joining the conversation and we’re all in it together!

[@peterkelly8357]

After reading the comments I’m glad I walked out of an unbearably loud Robin Trower show in the 70s. As I got older 60 plus, I developed Dupytrens Contracture in my left hand little finger so after always using all four left hand fingers I’m now down to three. I’d be interested to hear from any other sufferers

[@AndiPicker]

I went to see Blackberry Smoke on Saturday, went with a friend who attends a LOT of gigs, and happened to meet a musician (well, drummer) friend and his wife at the venue. Support band stepped on stage, self, drummer and Mrs drummer instantly drag out earplugs, my mate went through the whole show naked. I popped out one plug for a moment and honestly I can't believe that I used to go to gigs and play without protection. I've played with the loud drummer/poor sound thing and end up with my drummer side ear plugged and my other side ear with the plug half in/out - I have pictures of me with my with my head down right in front of my (not very loud) cab trying to hear what I'm playing. Yellow foam plugs that give about 30dB attenuation are dirt cheap if you buy them from DIY stores instead of music stores, and if you buy a bucketfull you can keep a few in every pocket and bag - and they go through the washing machine just fine if you leave them in your jeans.

[@stratman9449]

i am with you here Jeff.....my first "encounter" with too loud and painful music was a Rory Gallagher (of all people) concert in the late 80s......thats when i quit loud concerts.......and 2ndly....don't forget (re your issue with said "drummer")....one NEVER EVER tells another brit or other "anglosaxon" what to do....EVER..!!! thats from a "german" married to a english woman for near 50 years....YEP........fact.....now where are my earplugs...??!! CATH...!!!

[@sgholt]

I unfortunately did not use ear protection back in the day...I have frequency loss in one ear. Not to mention the 3rd row at Nazarath back in the late 70s, made my ears muffled for about a week....I started to play guitar myself, and that didn't help my ears either...get a Decibel Meter and some good ear plugs...thanks Jeff

[@JeffMcErlain]

😩

[@lloydloar1]

Hang in there. I've taken care of my hearing too, but alas, I've got the same problem. Give it time. Learn to tune it out. Good news is... I can still hear the finer things in life. Keep protecting your hearing every chance you get.

[@JeffMcErlain]

I’m going on 10 years of it! Im doing ok with it. It’s the spikes that are the worst.

[@lamontprospect9974]

Thank you for making this video. I'm 65 and I've had this for about a year and a half. It started when I was playing electric guitar for the first time. I started at 62. But what really caused the damage was I bought a micro headphone amplifier. It's got Bluetooth so I can listen to KZbin backing tracks and solo along. I thought I was being careful with the noise level but somehow it got away from me and I've had tonight as ever since. 24/7. I haven't gone to see a doctor cuz I figured there's no cure for it.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Ugh. Sorry man I know it well. Hang in there.

[@billrieske6347]

According to an article I read, Jeff Beck would walk around with earplugs playing music during his waking hours to cope with his tinnitus. Sometimes at night, I just listen to mine. Other times, I just try and concentrate on something else.

[@edwardrice146]

I have bad bouts of it from time to time....I spent many years working on fighter jets and always wore double ear protection. I always a low level but when it spikes it really sucks.

[@benperry490]

Thanks Jeff Great video I ve had tinnitus for about 20 years now my Dr seems to think it was caused by a strong antibiotic I received for a bad skin infection from a cat bite...anyweay it got so bad I was nervous and anxious all the time couldnt concentrate at work eventually lost that job becuase I was so freaked out by the noise. Id wake up every morning for months and hope that it would be gone but no such luck. I m much better at ignoring it now although if I make the mistake of taking a short nap it really comes back with a vengeance afetr I wake up. it really helps to know that other people have this and they carry on with their lives although id give anything to have a day without the ringing

[@JeffMcErlain]

Oh man. Right, naps. That happens to me too. Noise reducing headphones are a real trigger for me. The habituation is key if possible.

[@GazMoz78]

I really enjoyed this Jeff. I've been gigging since I was about 20, I'm coming up 45, my tinnitus showed up in my mid 20's and has been with me ever since. Snare drums and cymbals are the worst thing. Playing pub gigs on really confined stages meant I could never escape them. I found the part where you mentioned that loud noises trigger yours to worsen really interesting; I have that exact same condition. A glass bottle smashing or being too close to the road when a police siren goes by. It's awful. Oh, watching this video caused my Tinnitus to become really apparent to me 😂 not your fault

[@JeffMcErlain]

Getting that clip of what my tinnitus sounds like made it worse for a while …

[@GazMoz78]

@@JeffMcErlain it's mad because yours is very similar to mine but my ring/whistle is at a slightly lower frequency

[@battmanvonrichtoven]

This is so helpful and informative thank you.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jessefillmore]

Thanks for sharing , Jeff . When I'm at home I have to run a fan on or my tinnitus will drive me crazy . First time I really did so damage was when I was 17 I went to my 1st concert without earplugs . It was Supergrass & Foo Fighters and my ears rang for 3 days after . When I turned 18 , I started working construction . Concrete finisher . So the finish machines , cut saws , overall jobsite . In the late 90's construction companies weren't big on ear protection as they were eye protection . Now any major site is overseen by O.S.H.A. So eye protection , gloves , ear plugs,dust mask & ect are required . Crazy as it may seem but the last Greg Koch show I went to was so loud , it hurt .WAY TOO LOUD . It wasn't Greg or the bands fault , it was the house venue's sound engineer . He was drunk and young and deaf LOL . My ears rang for 3 days . Never again !!! I will make it a priority to have ear plugs . People at work act like I'm overreacting when I refuse to cut-saw without hearing protection or dust mask . Instead of letting go to my work truck and grab my ear muffs , they grab the saw and start cutting concrete usual smoking a cigarette LOL . They don't ever call me any names cause I don't take no shit off people . I always tell them , they'll regret that one day . They laugh while concrete dust is all over their face , with a lit cigarette .

[@JeffMcErlain]

Wow. Yeah F that! I don’t mess with it anymore either.

[@gbarge4]

Hey, Jeff. Thank you for this. I'm sure many here follow a similar thinking in that trying to figure out the mechanisms for this and other phenomena help us to cope with them. Not least in this is coming to understand we are not alone. Two things spring to my mind from your discussion. One is the shared biological/human nature flags. Biological economy plays a role in the existence of every living thing. We didn't evolve in abundance. We made our hard won calories last. For example, we don't see the whole light spectrum nor hear the whole auditory spectrum. We see and hear within spectrums (yeah, I know it's "spectra") humans needed to in order to get by. We use pattern recognition to take a few perceived stimuli to combine with past experience to identify our current scenario in order to survive it. There's a range. Our brains are used to filling in for absences. Sounds like an element of tinnitus is like that. It happens in a lot of humans, therefore it's normal for humans. And something to protect against if we can, so thank you. The other thing is that I wonder if you were a "high reactive" kid. Heightened senses, from dog hearing to various sensitivities. Not terribly uncommon amongst introverts. A tribe's "mine canary" to alert the others of anomalies. Being human sure can be an adventure. Peace, Brother.

[@JeffMcErlain]

What an awesome post. Thanks for this. I think you are correct in what you are saying. I also think that the tinnitus can be cumulative, a lifetime of sound being the focus of my life I feel can contribute. That and cymbals and snare drums…

[@ianrobbins]

I have tinnitus, too. Also a high pitched noise that never stops. Which can get very loud, sometimes. And all of this rings (ha ha) true. Thanks for this! Sometimes I wonder if listening too closely to things, music included, over my life has somehow enhanced this. With me... I have difficulty hearing frequencies at the same frequency as my tinnitus tone, which is extremely high in pitch. Calming down my anxiety over tinnitus does really help. Acceptance. Also, I gave up playing the trumpet. Acoustic guitar, nice and quiet, helps me now. The other stressors mentioned are all implicated. Have you ever noticed that when someone starts talking about eye floaters, that at that point you become aware of your own floaters? Assuming you have them, of course. Tinnitus is sort of like that, for me. When I began watching this video my tinnitus got much louder. I've read that tinnitus is created centrally in the brain, eg not in the ear apparatus. So a cure is not likely. But the mind can help make it go away, slightly, via meditation or mental control. Not easy to do, though, or to describe how to do it. And I've never experienced it while dreaming. It's like migraines in that regard.

[@wmot206]

Thanks for spotlighting the topic, Jeff, and emphasizing it only takes one instance to do real damage. Fortuatelty ear pro has gotten a lot better over the years. Gone are the days of the sound-muffling foam ones.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank god !

[@John-nl4vu]

Hello Jeff, great show by the way. I too have suffered this for the past 40 years. I exposed myself to a loud Cummins V16 diesel engine at work, for about 30 seconds when I was 25, and I now wear hearing aids when once I had excellent hearing. Something you didn't mention is that the part of your brain no longer stimulated will atrophy, much like a muscle does from lack of use. For that preservation reason, I encourage others to use hearing aids; and also, the brain is plastic in that it will adapt to changes, which is why I now informally study guitar, from people such as yourself, which forces the brain to form new neurons and synapse connections because it's all new to me. Thank you for sharing. I never knew I shared this handicap with so many great people such as yourself. Keep up the good work!

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks John for the insight. That’s a terrible story and I’m sorry to hear that. Great thoughts on the brain elasticity.

[@serapiopereziii3741]

When I first got tinnitus I got very panicky and started researching it. I found two(2) things that have helped stop it or at least reduce the level. Cordyceps mushroom and Vitamin B-12(Cyancobalamin). They are both rather inexpensive, but more importantly, they work for me.

[@oldskoolz8509]

I’ve suffered from tinnitus for a long time now. It really sucks. Some days it’s unbearable. Mine came from concerts, Navy, and working in factories.

[@jazzzfer]

Thanks for this. I had the same exact experience. Dumb drummer. Going on a year now and I haven’t really played my amps since

[@bradfordlaneromans2994]

Aww. Jeff. We LOVE you & your sensitive Ears. Best of Luck with this ongoing condition. I read new info on this topic almost weekly. Get tied in to latest research & breakthroughs. ✌️&❤️

[@JeffMcErlain]

Keep me informed my friend!!

[@richsanchez622]

I’ve had tinnitus for decades. Thanks AC/DC…. I actually was walking in front of a concert speaker (AC/DC was playing through speaker) when it got significantly louder as I walked by. I knew something was wrong right away. I’m just used to it now. Every now and then it goes away for a few seconds. I love when that happens. I’m sorry it effects you so badly. I have trouble hearing chords correctly and it gets louder sometimes. No one around here gets it. Drinking less caffeine helps I having hearing aids that haven’t helped at all. Thanks

[@kevinquinn6874]

Hiya Jeff, thanks for sharing, my story is similar. In my last band always wore ear plugs, the drummers ride cymbal was the biggest issue and my band mates never wore them. I even wore them in the small club gigs the only time I didn’t was on big stages where I could get away from the drummer and my own amp and frequently had the stage wedge silenced in front of me. I know I find my girlfriend feels particularly noisy. 🤠 loading and unloading the dishwasher, I can hear from upstairs and like you become agitated I appreciate your content Jeff, thanks again 🎸

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@jeremyversusjazz]

yeah after playing for 25 years i went to one jam at a warehouse building in the garment district when i lived in nyc that had old meat lockers converted to band spaces. i was standing next to a matchless-not my amp and all i knew was they were great amps but not how frickin loud they are-it was elevated to the height of my head, sadly, and i didnt realize how loud the whole jam was going to be, either. with a really good but hard hitting drummer. none of us wearing ear plugs. we hit the first downbeat of some jam or another and the matchless took my head off from the left side-had tinnitus in my left ear ever since. ive learned to live with it. the White Noise app on my phone and ipad is the only thing that allows me to sleep at night.

[@JeffMcErlain]

I understand.

[@wilfsidekick6888]

Know exactly how you feel Jeff, my symptoms are exactly the same as yours, can seem to ignore it sometimes but as soon as I started watching became all too aware 🙁

[@JeffMcErlain]

Sorry! I know making the video triggered it!!

[@colinhardy6396]

I might be in a similar place. I have tinnitus but my hearing is okay ish for a 55 year old guy apparently. I manage it every day and sometimes it gets me down especially if I put myself in a stupid situation and it gets worse. I’ve learnt to live with it what more can you do and there’s plenty of people with bigger problems than me. For all the young guns watching this don’t think your invisible. Loud gigs watching or playing wear ear protection. Whatever works for you.

[@desert_rat_guitar]

I am also a fellow sufferer and guitar player. I'm 76 and have had tinnitus for decades. I don't know what caused it. I was in a band in LA in the late 60's but I don't recall being that loud. I quit guitar for 45 years and took up electric guitar again 3 1/2 years ago. I've managed my tinnitus by not thinking about it. I play with headphones and I fear my tinnitus is getting worse; my ears ring more loudly after playing. I don't know how this will turn out, but playing guitar is important to my mental health. If I lower the volume it doesn't sound as good; if the volume is too high I risk hearing loss. A conundrum.

[@joncurle5407]

Thanks for this video Jeff, I have a very high pitch whining, and mostly it isn't an issue. I comes from the late 80s in a metal band, cranked 100 watt half stacks and a drummer who laid into a China type by my head. Madness to look back on the volumes we played at, and even rehearsed at, no ear protection. Now I use a Pro Junior in the main, everything through PA, and ear plugs. Hopefully I can stop mine getting worse.

[@daneclarkcollins]

I’ve had severe tinnitus for about 20 years. Non-stop screeching. I did not take care of my ears. Mine started after a Ministry/Mehuggah concert.

[@robert_starling]

Thank you Jeff, I've been suffering from tinnitus since 2008 and remember the exact night it happened. The hyperacusis came a bit later but was at times so bad that a metal fork on a china plate was like a gunshot. It was so bad that I had to use paper plates and plastic forks. Ultimately it ended up being something called menieres in my left ear which over the course of ten years destroyed the hearing in my left ear. Huey Lewis had to quit the music business due to meniere's in both ears. Thankfully my right ear is still in great shape, but like you I have earplugs stashed everywhere. The hyperacusis sensitivity pretty much went away with the left ear hearing loss, but the tinnitus is ever present but at least varies. Some foods peak my ringing it seems. Thanks for talking about it and sharing your story. ~Robert

[@bobbyhancock3347]

I first got it in 2020. Literally thought dark thoughts. The depression is the real nightmare. Took me a year to return to normal and acclimate. Mine spikes with lack of sleep. For anyone who just got it just know you do get back to normal.

[@blancacasillas8226]

Did you take any antidepressants?

[@LLCoolJeanLuc]

This is way more important than musicians usually want to admit. I haven’t been that good to my hearing. I went to a lot of moderate size club metal shows in high school and college. Now, at 37, I do t think my hearing is terrible but it’s not 100% either. Recently I saw the osees (not one but two drummers) and I got myself bad. The next day I was honestly impaired. The next day was still muffled and ringing. The next day the muffle let up but the ringing didn’t. I went straight online and bought me and my wife a pair of eargasm earplugs. They really work great and you still hear reasonably even across the spectrum. I’m not going to another show without them.

[@Ray-Angel]

I went to a Kiss show in about 76. My seat was just 4 rows back from the stage and to the performer's right. So, my left ear caught the full force of the speakers. I couldn't hear in that ear for 4 days. But I was lucky and haven't had any problems since.

[@JeffMcErlain]

That’s lucky for sure.

[@stewartroberts5205]

Jeff, my gig that ruined my ears was playing next to a guy that played a telecaster with all the bass off. He couldn’t hear and played loud through a peavey 100 water. Anyway I still remember when he hit that high note that felt like an ice pick in my ears. It’s funny that when you played your tinnitus sound I couldn’t hear anything.

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a good weekend

[@mikedr1549]

I've been wearing earplugs at concerts for the past decade or so. I don't care much for the loss of sound clarity but in the end it's the right thing to do as you said. I remember seeing really loud shows as an early 20 something and how it was a badge of courage if your ears rang for two days (Thanks Van Halen and Neil Young and ZZ Top etc etc) after the show. Stupid stupid stupid!

[@RustGL]

For a lot of great musicians and composers it was a real Tragedy. Take e.g. Beethoven. What can help professionally. I can provide you Noise-Free pickups Singles, P90 or Humbuckers for a Test/ Review. No buzz better and cleaner sound and lower the volume.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thanks man! I think I’m ok with pickups. I appreciate that!

[@davidtomkins4242]

i feel fortunate that I read a guitar world column by Steve Morse when I was about 17 in which he talked about this very issue. Then reading about Paul Gilbert's issues with hearing loss - scary in many ways. He'd be a great person to have a conversation with about this topic. I have friends in their 20s that love a cranked amp with no protection. They won't listen (yet)

[@JeffMcErlain]

We all felt invincible at that age!

[@williamfair4575]

Hi, Jeff. Love your channel. Thanks for all you do. I was a performing musician all thru high school and college, before becoming a full-time recording engineer / producer. Artists, producers, and musicians typically wanted to hear studio playbacks thru the BIG monitors at max volume. Having very sensitive ears, I would generally go out in the hallway (or outside the building even) while they enjoyed their ear bleed session . In spite of my best ear protection efforts, I did develop some tinnitus. I left the professional music world for several decades, and my tinnitus seemed to improve a bit over time. I now enjoy a great little home studio, where I listen at volumes that are “safe” for my sensitive ears. 😊

[@JeffMcErlain]

Good thing you knew to clear out of that room!! Thanks for being here William!

[@mbach1187]

This is a scary wake up call. There have been times I’ve actually heard that ringing played in the example but it’s gone away. I’m always cranking AirPods. I need to turn down but I think I may use ear plugs more often.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Yes be careful with those!

[@guitarbymichael]

Thanks for sharing, Jeff. I’ve had it full blown about four years now. At first it would come and go, but one day it never went away. I believe it hit me while setting up for a gig before I thought I “needed” to put on the earplugs. Agree that all you can do for now is not allow it to torment you. Maybe a cure will come along at some point.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Oh man. That stinks Michael. I put the plugs in before sound check now. I have to or I’m toast. Oh for a cure…

[@CraigRMerriman]

Hang in there my friend. I've had tinnitus for over 30 years. Lower pitch than what you played. All day, every day.

[@jfo3000]

I've had ringing tinnitus and pulsatile tinnitus as long as I can remember, from 5, 4, even 3 yrs old maybe. Lots of ear infections growing up is what led to both conditions I'm told. When I started playing guitar, loud, in my teens, the ringing tinnitus would get louder after a practice/gig/concert, and then calm back down to "normal", eventually. At least I thought it was going back to normal. So I rarely used hearing protection, I already had tinnitus, it seemed to always recoup, none of my friends used earplugs, and in the 70's the only earplugs were the foam type that disproportionately attenuate the high frequencies. Using them was not a great experience. At some point I thought the baseline tinnitus must be getting worse... Now at 61, it could be at a level that most would consider to be unbearable, but I've had it since childhood, so I don't remember "silence". Ringing IS my silence. Maybe if one can change a mindset and accept the ringing as silence it could be very helpful. Meditation is suggested in the video, and in the comments. There is a type of meditation, sound meditation it might be called, where you focus intently on the sounds that you hear, research it up. I do this type of meditation, but the main sound that I focus on is my tinnitus!!! Yes, I make my tinnitus work for me, I use it to my advantage. Maybe you all can give this a try. My tinnitus is several different pitches all at once, it sounds like a field of crickets.

[@mkii1964]

I’ve been dealing with this same thing for the last 15 or more years. Listening to it now as I type this….. 😕

[@RossHelmot]

Great topic Jeff and thanks for sharing your insights...when I first started out (I'm a bit older that you) there wasn't the awareness of hearing loss and tinnitus that there is these days. Playing through a cranked 100watt plexi with a single 4 way pa as side fill didn't help. I'm not sure when I first labelled my problem as tinnitus but I've had it for as long as I can remember now. I often joke that I only have tinnitus when someone mentions it, and now you've brought the subject up its back front of mind again. Seriously, the best way of dealing with it for me is acceptance and as much as possible ignoring the humming away in the back ground. Like you, I go nowhere without ear plugs and wish I had access to them back when I started, although the question is would I have worn them or succumbed to peer pressure. Some of my peers still refuse to wear them but I find you get used to it...I wouldn't be without them. I've also done gigs with in ears and have my own little mixer as everyone still mixes too loud...I don't trust anyone with my ears anymore and have them dialled down to whisper quiet. What was really helpful for me was your insights on how it kicks up and what causes it. Last week for me was noticeably worse and it is a bit of a roller coaster. Sometimes I think am I the only one. So knowing that this is normal is a bit go a relief. Also knowing what can be pushing it up is helpful. Last week I was rundown, not getting much sleep so I knew this was probably the issue..but good to know what else could cause problems and as I say good to know I'm not alone...not that I would wish it on anyone. Thanks also to many that have commented here, there is a lot of gold in your insights. Keep up the great work Jeff...and thanks again.

[@docjeffry]

Got my mug! Nice graphic.

[@A.JayWeber]

Also talking about the depression really helped me. (cried a little lol 🥲) If you ever make a second video on this topic more details on your metal talk would be wonderful.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Hey. I’m sorry you’re going through this. It gets better, or your coping with it gets better. Don’t suffer alone with this, you are not the only one who has this so get some help. It can really bring you down and take over your life. So, please find some help to learn how to deal with it and ways to help alleviate it.

[@christiantaylor4027]

I have been around a lot of loud for a long time. Construction and factory jobs were just loud and earplugs made me feel disoriented. Also my hobby which became my part time job was also very loud. I was always the guy saying could we turn down? I was also asked to turn up a lot. Sometimes turning up gets the sound you really want. But at what cost? I tried to protect my hearing. I never had a serious problem with tinnitus until I got a bad infection. After that it never got better. If you like to hear music or birds or what people are saying to you then protect your hearing. Don't wait until it's too late. It is a maddening problem. Bye for now. And thanks Jeff

[@JeffMcErlain]

🙌🏻

[@ThePandaProcrastinates]

Glad it worked out! Hearing loss is something we take for granted and don't think about until you are not young anymore... John Mayer had an issue as well playing with Dead and Co. He started wearing headphones on stage as a monitor to protect his hearing.

[@JeffMcErlain]

Yup. It can happen fast.

[@danielconrad764]

35 years old, 2nd month with tinnitus. Slowly accepting, as Jeff said, that it will never be quiet in my head again. I got a set of -20db reducing earbuds which makes practicing guitar bearable, and the tone isn't too affected. Just hoping it doesn't get any worse, as I'm planning to be sticking around for another 60 years!

[@glh1956]

Hi Jeff interesting post - I have it it’s up n down at times - really got me down when it first happened but now I manage better- I use ear plugs for guitar when practicing & rain sounds at night to help sleep seems to work for me as well as walks in the countryside etc

[@georgesb1]

I saw Hendrix three times when I was a kid, but I didn't develop tinnitus until about 10 years ago after seeing Philip Sayce. Actually don't blame him at all. Mostly kidding. It was basically due to aging, stress, and a damaged right ear. I was very freaked out initially, but the more I learned to deal with stress and accept the onset, the more my brain relaxed and the tinnitus is gone most of the day. This may seem counterintuitive, but the more I think of tinnitus as my friend, the more he becomes my invisible friend.

[@bluztime5271]

Thanks for sharing. I’m 63 years old now and have been living with tinnitus for at least 20 years. It’s not always easy to live with. Especially sleeping.

[@JeffMcErlain]

The noise apps or a fan are really helpful to me with it.

[@CateB66]

My bedroom TV is on every night playing KZbin clips from Treble Health. They have so many ‘T masking’ varieties however the one I find most beneficial at night for my T is called Tinnitus Shimmer. Most of them are 10 hour clips, many of which have black screen so as not to illuminate the bedroom. I hope you find the one that helps with your sleep. All the best

[@TomHolland-r6k]

Tinnitus is horrendous lifelong rock guitarist and carpenter I got the double whammy constant ringing always

[@djb3545]

Thanks for sharing Jeff. Very informative and helpful.