A number of high profile musicians and DJs, all of whom experience tinnitus, have recently pledged their support of the British Tinnitus Association (BTA), the only charity solely dedicated to supporting those with tinnitus, with the aim of helping to raise awareness of the condition.
Not an illness or disease, tinnitus is a term that describes the sensation of hearing a noise in the absence of an external sound. The noise can have virtually any quality. Ringing, whistling, and buzzing are common, but more complex sounds may also be reported. Troublesome tinnitus can be very distressing for the affected individual, and issues may arise with sleep, concentration and mood.
The following musicians and DJs have recorded an amateur video revealing detail of their experiences of tinnitus, and sharing their advice for other music lovers:
• BTA Ambassador Eddy Temple Morris, a professional musician, DJ, producer and radio presenter, http://www.xfm.co.uk/eddy-temple-morris
• Lead singer of Embrace, Danny MacNamara
• Music producer and DJ ‘Om Unit’ (aka Jim Coles)
• DJ and producer Rocky from X-Press 2
• Mike Burgess, one half of music production and DJ duo ‘HeavyFeet’
• Guitarist Paul Abbott.
Eddy Temple Morris, who has supported the BTA for three years, explains why he supports the BTA’s campaign: “As well as knowing first-hand how hard it can be to cope with the constant high-pitched noise in my ears, I also know countless DJs, musicians and music lovers who are affected by tinnitus as a result of exposure to loud music. While we are all now aware of the dangers and take precautions, such as using specialist ear plugs to reduce the impact of loud music and prevent further hearing damage, ultimately we are resigned to a life with tinnitus. So are many thousands of others who make up the massive 10% of the UK’s population who experience tinnitus. It is a travesty to think that so many of these cases could have been prevented through better tinnitus awareness.”
Music producer, DJ and co-founder of Breakbeat Kaos Adam F (aka Adam Fenton) is also a supporter of the charity’s work and is keen to help raise awareness in order to try to prevent music lovers experiencing tinnitus as a result of exposure to loud music.
