Living with Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a condition characterised by a constant ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears. For a music professional, it can be particularly challenging, as it interferes with the critical sense of hearing required for creating, performing, and teaching music. As someone who lives with tinnitus and also runs music workshops, I’ve had to develop unique strategies to manage my condition while effectively teaching and inspiring students. This blog post delves into my experience with tinnitus and how I’ve adapted my teaching methods to accommodate this condition.
My Journey with Tinnitus started in 2012….
The first time I noticed the constant ringing in my ears, I was immersed in a recording session. Initially, I thought it was temporary, perhaps a result of ear fatigue from long hours of headphone use. But as the days turned into weeks, the sound persisted, becoming a constant companion.
For a music professional, tinnitus is more than an inconvenience; it’s a potential career disruptor. Music is not just my profession; it’s my passion and my life. The prospect of a relentless noise overshadowing the music I love was daunting. However, I was determined not to let tinnitus define my career or teaching ability.
Managing Tinnitus
Upon consulting an audiologist, my diagnosis of tinnitus was confirmed. While there is no cure, there are various ways to manage it. Here are some strategies that have worked for me:
Sound Therapy: Utilising background noise to mask the tinnitus has been a game-changer. I often use sound machines or smartphone apps that play white noise or nature sounds, especially during quiet moments when the ringing becomes more noticeable.
Hearing Protection: To prevent further damage, I always use high-fidelity earplugs during rehearsals and live performances. These earplugs lower the volume without distorting the sound quality, allowing me to protect my ears without compromising my musical experience.
Mindfulness and Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate tinnitus, so I’ve incorporated mindfulness practices into my daily routine. Techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises help me stay calm and reduce the intensity of the ringing.
Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep are crucial. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can aggravate tinnitus, has also been beneficial.
Professional Support: Engaging with support groups and online communities of musicians with tinnitus has provided me with valuable insights and emotional support. Knowing that others share this experience makes it easier to cope.
Running Music Workshops with Tinnitus
Teaching music, especially in a classroom setting, presents its own set of challenges when dealing with tinnitus. Here’s how I’ve adapted my approach to ensure effective teaching without compromising my hearing health:
Volume Control: I’m mindful of the volume levels during workshops. Whether it’s playing recordings or live instruments, I ensure that the sound levels are safe. I also encourage students to be aware of their own volume levels, promoting a healthy listening environment.
Breaks and Pauses: Regular breaks are essential to prevent ear fatigue. I structure my workshops with intervals, allowing both myself and the students to rest our ears. This not only protects our hearing but also enhances concentration and retention of information.
Use of Technology: Incorporating technology in teaching has been extremely helpful. I use visual aids, music notation software, and online resources to supplement auditory instruction. This multimodal approach ensures that students can learn effectively even when auditory cues are limited.
Educational Awareness: I make it a point to educate my students about hearing health. Sharing my experience with tinnitus serves as a practical lesson on the importance of protecting their ears. This awareness can help them make informed decisions about their own hearing health in the future.
Adaptation and Flexibility: Being flexible and adapting my teaching methods to accommodate my condition has been key. For instance, I might use a microphone during workshops to avoid straining my voice and ensure that I’m heard clearly without needing to increase the volume excessively.
Conclusion
Living with tinnitus while being a music professional and educator is undeniably challenging, but it’s not impossible. By adopting effective management strategies and adapting my teaching methods, I’ve been able to continue doing what I love while also protecting my hearing.
For fellow musicians and educators dealing with tinnitus, remember that it’s possible to manage this condition and continue to thrive in your career. Seek professional advice, make necessary adjustments, and always prioritise your hearing health. Your passion for music doesn’t have to be diminished by tinnitus; instead, let it drive you to find new ways to overcome and inspire.