Q. Dear Andy,
Very sorry to hear of your tinnitus, as I lost the hearing in my left ear after an assault in 2002 which put paid to my musical career, such as it was. I'm left but naught but a ringing ('that no one will pick up) where once existed the joys of stereo, spacial location, etc... the worst is, it's not even exactly on pitch, more of an A++, if you get my meaning.


I know you spent time in hyperbaric oxygen tents, as did I, and I'm very glad to know it worked in your case. My question is: to what degree does it affect your composition and general music appreciation? Besides the obvious depression and despair, I've pretty much come to terms with my deafness, but I no longer put on the headphones and take off for an album side, nor can I write... On the other hand, I'm no longer resentful of the fact that music still goes on without (and within) me (to paraphrase George who channelling Yogi Bear). What do you do, how do you do it? Even remixing your demos must have been a bit difficult?


Thanks for your music, which filled much of my hearing life with so much pleasure,
Best,
don device
(de)composer

A. Dear Old Donny
You are so right, tinnitus is horrible with a capital AAARRRGH! Thanks to a clumsy studio engineer and a pair of headphones at full volume on the mixing desk I now have the notes of high C and D screaming in my ears 24 hours a day. Luvverly. The only time in my life I've ever had suicidal thoughts was within the first two weeks of it happening, there was no escape. Torture.

It cant be a coincidence that my musical muscle has wilted since the event and I do find my desire to make sounds has almost ceased to exist. I would liken it to having your clear stream of musical consciousness polluted by a spill of fluorescent effluent.

For the past year I've been following the Jastrebov spelling? method, which entails wearing a pair of hearing aid like devices, one in each ear, that emit a constant white noise. Over 18 months or so this is supposed to retrain the brain to disregard its own workings and although you will never lose your tinnitus it should bother you less.

I've also heard that positive meditation can be very beneficial in coming to terms with losing your hearing and being given an unrelenting high pitched scream in exchange.


Good luck.


Andy