Dave’s Tinnitus Story

Hey Dave, I very much appreciate your video, AND your decision to make it widely available. Thanks for posting it; I feel it will almost assuredly touch many people's lives in a positive way (quite apparently, already has). I agree with others who said it took courage to share your story with the world.

If I may--I could see the joy in your face of a life well lived. I also could see the sorrow and pain of tinnitus, and the losses in has inflicted on your life. But, I also saw a dignified grace as you choose to "live the best way" you can, which I truly admire. Takes courage to do that my friend (and lots of supportive love as you often allude to). -- Thanks again!

 

Thank you Lane.

I was determined to ‘tell the truth’ of just how horrible this ‘thing’ is.
At the same time I felt quite a responsibility to every sufferer to show that, even though we have lost so much - for me, my peace and quiet, my entire way of life, my total income, my beautiful jazz making passion - the best way forward, in fact the only way forward, is too find a personal adjustment to it, and to embrace other things, family.....er......have I mentioned pussycats yet?.....and the huge challenge of still making something of our lives.
I always took tremendous pride in my artistry;
I now need to take pride in my ability to survive this ‘thing’ well.

I really appreciate your response my friend,
Dave x
Jazzer

 

As promised a handful of Facebook responses to ‘Dave’s Tinnitus Story’ video.

I have copied and pasted these responses verbatim and just removed the names.

Truly an informative vid. It not only showcased that wonderful sense of humor, amazing musical talent and kind heart but an educated response to a much misunderstood ailment. (Pics of fur babies were great too) Thank you for sharing your wisdom.

Dave, I have just now had the opportunity to watch your Tinnitus video. My heart breaks for you - to give up something in your life that was SO important - your music. I can't begin to imagine what my life would be like without my music....My husband suffers from tinnitus. When he was in the Army, they fired the "Little John" rockets. The army's idea of ear protection back then (in the 60's) was a cotton ball swabbed in petroleum jelly. DUH!!! Then, after the Army, he became a policeman. Did a lot of shooting - handgun, rifle, shotgun. Also, he got into police combat shooting. Again, no ear protection back then. So, the damage was done. His tinnitus is a constant high pitch ringing in his ears.
Thank you for making the video..I know it was difficult for you to get through it at times.

Thank you. I'm sorry and I'm grateful for your story. We know many will benefit from your story. You two touch our hearts again with your love and caring. Forward with research!

I'm a retired nurse and found this video very helpful for teaching those who are initially diagnosed with tinnitus. I'll be sharing it with my nurse friends. You obviously did your homework!

Dave x
Jazzer

 

My heart skipped a beat reading the lovely feedback you received. YOU deserved it. Go Dave!

 

A few more responses to our video.
These are from abroad - wherever that is
- and I love the broken English.

“With a lot of attention I have been listening to your story. I think it’s very handsome that you can explain it all. A lot of strength I hope you can give it a place, and also find it very unfortunate that you can’t play music anymore.
You’re a Champ!”

“I usually write in Dutch because my English is not sufficient. Dave I have great admiration for the way you tell what Tinnitus has impacted on your life.
The tears were all over my cheeks.
I wish you a lot of strength and then more strength.”

“Thank you for sharing my husband suffer for it . I will tell him about the awesomeness group don't think he knows of it. his is work in a factory related and I'm always telling the younger ones where I work to wear ear protection . I will share the clip thank you for trying to making people aware keep up the good work Dave ”

@Markku - did you appreciate my plug for
Tinnitus Talk - now known as ‘The Awesomeness Group?”

 

Thanks for sharing this @Jazzer. I'd love to play music again...

 

Hi bud
- a crying shame for us both.
But what can we do.
All I can think of is still to make
something of the rest of my life.
Best wishes PD,
Dave x
Jazzer

 

@Markku,

Thanks Markku - I’m just so pleased that with the help of my great mate, photographer and director, Phil Swallow, and his lovely misus Sue, who was in charge of the Kleenex tissues, we produced something worthwhile.

Dave x
Jazzer

 

Wow, that is very touching. It was very nice of her to let you know about it.

Messages like this really drive home the point that stories like yours need to be told.

Hat's off to you, Phil and Sue Swallow for getting the message out.

 

Just a few more responses from people who have found this video helpful...

*If you have a spare few minutes sit down with a cuppa and watch this. I feel blessed to have shared the bandstand with Dave Hewett on a few occasions. (Wish it had been more)
He is one of the many in the jazz world who have been very encouraging on my journey in this great music. A top guy and player who’s jazz career has been finished far too early due to Tinnitus.
Touching video and also hits home why we should take a little more care with our lugholes!

*Listened to it all. So sad that your stellar career was lain low, but at least I did have the joy of knowing you while you were still playing. An inspired solo at the end of the video. We miss your playing.

*I must admit I knew little about Tinnitus but was aware that it ended the career of one of the best jazz trombonists around. This remarkable video explains this debilitating condition. Thanks for raising awareness Dave Hewett.

*What a good explain. From Tinnitus... I know I am going sometimes crazy of the noise.. piping and zooming and blinking when I am going to sleep.. I am always tired . Not only because the fibromyalgia. Also from this...sound.. god bless you. Dave ❤

*What a wonderful person you are to do this video! It is very helpful to understand what you and others endure. I have a friend in Chicago that was just diagnosed with this condition. When I was told about it, I knew what it was because of your previous communications. But this video really puts some perspective on what you and others endure. I have shared your video with him and friends for better understanding. Thank you so much for doing this. I know so much more about you now and consider you a dear friend. Just know that your video will definitely help others! Well done! I love that the kitties are there to help... just like when we were kids.
Love to you and Sylvia.

 

@Jazzer

You have touched people's lives because of your courage to step forward and speak out. Thank you.

Not to forget your smile.

 

@Starthrower,
when my mate did a photo shoot he said,
“Dave - I need a ‘smiley’ picture.”
I said “I’m sorry Phil - I never could smile to order - I can’t do it.”

He set up the camera and just looked at me for a good couple of minutes.
When he got tired of waiting, he said,
“.....er.....some teeth would be nice...”

That statement was so clever, I laughed like a drain....and he got his smile on the way down!

 

One more batch of responses to our video,
then I’ll call it a day.
Don’t want to bore the pants of anybody....x

*Dave has made me realize how important it is to protect my hearing. If I go anywhere with hard music, I have my earplugs. Most people find it weird and exaggerated - but that doesn't interest me at all.
Thank God tinnitus has been spared me so far and I have often exposed my hearing enough to loud music, especially in the time, that I was in a music shop.
Please check out the video of Dave and share it! Thank you....

*Of all the shares I’ve posted on here, few, if any, are more important than this one. I’ve had low-level tinnitus for years now and it hasn’t got any worse, thankfully. It’s made me much more careful about my lugholes and watching Dave’s video here serves to emphasise the danger we face as musicians .

*This is great for awareness building Dave. We jazz musicians are not looking after our ears properly. I left the army with tinnitus and now try to manage it ongoing to stop it from becoming a worse problem. Your story needs to be out there to help musos understand the issue.

*I have it from being hit by a car and landing on my chin. It shoved my jaw back and I got TMJ also. Mine is the high pitched eeeeee Dave said. No fun. Sorry you suffer from this Dave.

*Thank you for sharing your story with us Dave, very moving. We have fond memories of your fantastic performances on the jazz nights at Sylvie's Place. Big hugs Barbara x

*Im glad you made this video. I have had to deal with Tinnitus for over 20 years. I am 62 years old. I have tried a couple of different hearing aids, but they didn't block out the noise. It started out quiet one day and over the years its gotten louder. I have the high pitch noise constantly. Doctors have told me I will have this all my life. I may eventually go deaf. It's hard to hear people especially when I am in a crowded place like a restaurant. I had to learn how to live with it.

*Thanks for sharing this video Dave & “company”. So much I never knew about this condition. I’m so sorry you’re going through this and had to give up something you love so much, but the way you’ve handled it is an inspiration to all.

*Thank you. I'm sorry and I'm grateful for your story. We know many will benefit from your story. You two touch our hearts again with your love and caring. Forward with research!

*Dave, I never knew about tinnitus before, thank you for sharing your incredible story. You have had a wonderful life, and I didn't know what a celebrity we have been texting too. And we were giving all the credit to Percy!!! Thank you again.

 

@Jazzer much respect my friend, got me a bit emotional. It hits home especially when you think you may never hear silence again. You are a gent my friend.

Then of course you have to post your “catalogue modelling” pictures

In all seriousness I enjoyed that, I’m happy you decided to post it.

 

It is only by raising awareness that civilians (those not conscripted into the tinnitus brigade) will have any real idea of what it is we suffer and how we have to live, and consequently how we should be treated and respected.

I do not believe in hiding the truth.
It is only the truth of this condition that will raise awareness and stimulate preventative attitudes in those at risk - i.e. everybody.

 

@CrystalB
Dear Crystal
I saw your comment about relationships.
I made this video to explain to partners and others what we are going through.
I wonder if watching it might help.
Best wishes
Dave x
Jazzer

 

Thank you for sharing this! It does help!