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!

 

Because I use my iPhone and my iPad almost exclusively - my misus being permanently on the computer, for business reasons - I was not aware of the reviews that the video had received on YouTube, as these gadgets don’t give that information.

There are two or three unfavourable reviews stating that ‘a totally negative video helps nobody.’

That comment is fair enough - and I obviously understand what the reviewer means.

However - when I made it I was quite determined to be honest about this very nasty condition, and to ‘say it like it is.’
I could hardly come out and say,”Hey guys - I’ve got tinnitus - but no sweat - nothing to worry about folks - I’ve lost my career - I live permanently in noise - but so what - everything’s gonna be Hunky-Dory guys!”

My own feeling is that it is not ‘a completely negative video.’
It is essentially a sad story of course, but it portrayed a sufferer who is clearly surviving, coping, and coming through.
I did mention certain therapy possibilities, and directed viewers to Tinnitus Talk for support, and donation opportunities.

It is only in stating the possible severity that there can be any deterrent effect.

The reviewers recommended Julian Cowan Hill’s video, also stating that sufferers can get completely better, the noise goes away, and there are plenty of good treatments out there.

My opinion is that these reviewers do not have tinnitus, certainly have no idea what severe tinnitus is, and consequently would not have any clue as to whether any treatments are efficacious or not.

When videos on motor neurone disease are made, the truth of the matter can not be avoided the damage is only too obvious for the entire world to see.

Because we all look pretty well completely normal perhaps we should comfort the rest of society, and keep our inconvenient traps shut?
Gloss the whole bloody thing over, and pretend ‘it’s nothing much to worry about folks.’
I do not condone that - no way.
Society needs to know!

If any members on here care to give me some feedback, I would very much appreciate it folks.
Please be totally frank with me.
I’m a big boy now - ‘I’ve been kicked up the Cods before.’

Thanks
Dave x
Jazzer

 

3 unfavorable vs numerous favorable.

10% of the population are assholes, they were bound to show up sooner or later?

 

Markku - you have no idea how much I needed to hear somebody say that to me.

I said I’m a big boy now,
- but you know what I mean buddy.

Dave x
Jazzer

 

Awesome video. This hits close to me, I've been an active musician since I was roughly 18 or 19 (35 now for reference).

I have said to so many people how much I miss just being able to sit in silence.
Thank you for posting this, I'm sure it wasn't the easiest thing in the world to do.

 

I pretty much agree with what Markku said mate, I wouldn’t give a flying bleep bleep bleep.... bleeeeeep

You put yourself out there and came across really well. You will always get people who don’t agree with you or just simply don’t understand, as you know that’s part of life so don’t let that affect you.

I think what you did was brave Dave (oh that rhymed I’m a poet and I didn’t even know it) some people just like to troll especially the land of the internet. It had a good message and was put across without any BS, well done my man.

 

@Jazzer, these comments show a lack of understanding and as others have said it should be like water off a duck’s back. When I did a promotional thing a few months back, I had comments that mirrored these so I tried to educate them. Ultimately, people will always think they know best as humans are inherently stubborn.

I thought your video was perfect and couldn’t see anything wrong with it at all. I wish more would make a film like yours as it gives people a view behind the curtain so to speak, and it also shows an emotional aspect that connects with others on a much deeper level.

 

@Ed209
Thank you Ed.
I just believed it was right to ‘tell the truth.’
So it is one of the truly nasty illnesses with an unpalatable aspect to it.
Would it be right to lie about that?
Every single person on this website knows that there is currently no cure.
I tried to make a balance between,
yes it is nasty,
and yes you can live with it.
Perhaps if Mike Barker knows there is a cure, he could be persuaded to let us all in on the secret.
Thanks again Ed - I appreciate it.

 

Hey @Jazzer

I want to add my voice to those of others in support of your video. -- Something to always keep in mind is that there will always be naysayers. And often the greater the accomplishment--such as your life story, and you're subsequent video--the more likely it is those with no sense of accomplishment, or poor self-image will mindlessly attack it. The criticism has little correlation to the accomplishment itself, but is a pseudo-boost to somebody else's sense of themselves.

I notice this all the time. I grew up in Wisconsin, US, and have always been a Green Bay Packer's fan. The current quarterback Aaron Rodgers is widely considered to be one of the best quarterbacks of all time. And yet former teammates and other NFL fans for some reason love to criticize him. If he was a lousy quarterback who never did anything, they would just leave him alone, as criticizing him wouldn't artifically boost their self-image nearly to the degree they can by criticizing someone who's often considered to be an all-time best.

BTW, he does have teammates who feel the criticism is ridiculous. They note the media always seem to give negative (controversial) stories much more play than to positive stories. I think you get the picture. It's an almost a universal "human trait". No matter how great the accomplishment, the critics will come out. I once heard a humorous definition of a human being: "An ego-defending mechanism". Ain't it the truth? -- Ignore any pseudo critics. Though you may decide a certain amount of compassion for them and their foibles would be appropriate. -- All the Best!

 

@Jazzer I agree your video was not negative but rather informative for people. And it showed your smile

That person's reply was stupid.

I think my story I submitted was way too depressing to be considered. And I would have most likely been given horrible responses rather than understanding.

 

Dear Star - you are always so supportive of me, which is lovely.
Of course I do not know your story, except I have picked up that it was hell on earth.
I know it might be harrowing to read, but you would always have my love and support, without question.

Dave x
Jazzer

 

So proud of you Dave! Like I said before, the video is excellent.
The feedback is wonderful.
You will always find naysayers in this world.... pay no attention.
They never accomplish anything.

{{{Big Hug}}}
Once