Tinnitus Awareness Week: Celebrities with tinnitus

This week (6-12th Feb) is Tinnitus Awareness Week – but what is tinnitus?

Until recently, I had no idea. Then it started. I noticed a ringing sound one night when it was quiet, and after a few minutes of trying to work out which gadget was malfunctioning, I realised the sound was coming from inside my head, and since then it’s been there 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

I was freaked out at first, and then even more freaked out when I found out that there is no cure, but thanks to websites like www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk, I was able to understand it better and learn how best to manage it. I also found out that lots of celebrities suffer with tinnitus, including several musicians.

Most recently, Dappy has revealed that he has tinnitus from touring with N-Dubz.

“I have a serious case of tinnitus. The speaker blew in one ear on a tour with N-Dubz. The only way I can get rid of it is with background noise,” Dappy told Q. “When I sleep I’ve got three speakers of rain music. I know how to take care of it now.”

Another famous tinnitus sufferer is the legendary William Shatner, who started with ringing in his ears after an explosion on the set of StarTrek in the 60s. You can check out William talking about his tinnitus in the video below, then scroll down further for more information on tinnitus, and how to manage it.

Other celebrities with tinnitus include Barbra Streisand, Bono, Neve Campbell, Thom Yorke, Anthony Kiedis, Morgan Fairchild, Gerard Butler, Huey Lewis, Joey Jordison, Leonard Nimoy, KT Tunstall, Paul Gilbert, Sylvester Stallone, Ozzy Osbourne, and Will.i.am – to name a few.

Have you ever thought: “What’s that ringing in my ears?”
Whether you have buzzing ears for a short time after listening to loud music, or you have ringing in your ears or head for longer periods, you are experiencing the effects of hearing damage called tinnitus.
Tinnitus is a medical term to describe noises that people can hear in one ear, both ears or in the head – such as ringing, buzzing or whistling. The sounds heard can vary from person to person, but the common link is that they do not have an external source.

Seven million people in the UK have experienced tinnitus at some point, and for half a million people the effect on their lives is severe.

There may not be a cure for tinnitus, but it’s a common myth that there’s nothing you can do about it.

Six steps to tackling tinnitus:
1. Find out the truth about tinnitus
Do you know what tinnitus is and what causes it? Arming yourself with the facts is the first step to understanding the condition and getting help. Click here.
2. Download tinnitus facts
Not sure where to start with treating your tinnitus? Download a factsheets for the answers. It’s also a great resource to pass on to a friend or family member. Click here.
3. Call a helpline
Action On Hearing Loss have a dedicated tinnitus helpline. Trained advisors are available to answer your queries and offer support. Call free on 0808 808 6666.
4. Read an expert opinion
Dr Stephen Nagler is one of the world’s foremost tinnitus experts. Read his open letter to tinnitus sufferers, and let him help you manage your tinnitus. Click here.
5. Join a tinnitus forum
You know what they say about a problem shared… Action On Hearing Loss have a discussion forum that lets people with tinnitus support each other and share tips and advice. Click here.
6. Try sound therapy
Tinnitus sounds can be more distracting when it’s quiet, making it harder to get to sleep. Tinnitus relaxers make a big difference. There’s 10% off all tinnitus products at the Action On Hearing Loss shop during Tinnitus Awareness Week. Click here.

All tinnitus info is courtesy of the lovely people at Action On Hearing Loss.

Tinnitus Awareness Week is organised by the British Tinnitus Association. Click here to check out the video diaries of musicians and DJs talking about what it’s like living with tinnitus.