Why is tinnitus still a taboo in the music industry?

In this episode of Bobby Owsinski’s Inner Circle, Bobby dives deep into one of music’s most ignored health crises with Sven Köllmann and Jack Rubinacci of Tinnitus Quest. Tinnitus affects up to 1 billion people worldwide, yet it remains misunderstood and overlooked, even as it wrecks lives and careers. Sven and Jack explain why hearing loss is just the beginning, why research has been misdirected for years, and what it’s really like living with the chronic condition. They also reveal how Tinnitus Quest is fast-tracking research and pushing musicians, celebrities, and everyday sufferers to speak out finally. If you’ve ever heard ringing in your ears, don’t miss this one.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Over 700 million people worldwide suffer from tinnitus
• 120 million live with the severe, chronic form of the condition
• Hearing loss is the #1 cause, but not the only one
• Tinnitus is especially common among orchestral musicians and garage bands
• Stigma keeps many musicians silent about their condition
• Tinnitus Quest aims to bridge the gap between researchers and patients
• Celebrities like William Shatner and Chad Blake are helping break the taboo
• Research has shifted from the ear to the brain in recent years
• There is no objective measurement for tinnitus yet
• Hearing protection remains the best prevention

BEST MOMENTS

00:02:14. “Almost 700 million to 1 billion people worldwide… that is considered a world health problem.”
00:04:13. “Not much is said about this, and not much is done about it.”
00:07:01. “It’s a pandemic within the music industry.”
00:10:12. “The number one protection is hearing protection.”
00:15:00. “Right after that, my ears were ringing.”
00:17:04. “I pulled them out because I thought it was tough. I thought I was rock n roll.”
00:22:18. “The manifestation of chronic tinnitus happens in your brain.”
00:35:00. “By helping others, you're helping yourself.”

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