Hey Jazzer.
As a fellow ex-jazz musician I greatly sympathise with your story. I'm sometimes amazed at how you managed to have such a long career with moderate tinnitus...
Because everyone's tolerance is different I wanted to ask how moderate tinnitus manifested itself to you when performing or listening to music? I suppose it didn't get in the way of listening on a hifi or when performing? Could you hear it over these situations? Did you use earplugs from then onwards? Can a trombonist even use earplugs? As you say you've researched it for 30 years, I'm assuming it was somehow on your radar since the 90's and at least a Force to be reckoned with?
I'm aware of the incident that led up to your current tinnitus, so I'm not implying you should have protected better, if anything it goes to show one can keep on performing regardless of tinnitus, and depending on the severity of symptoms. Although if I recall correctly you managed to continue performing even after your incident?
It shows that people shouldn't necessarily give up music when afflicted with tinnitus, as is too often the advice on the forum.
It's probably the low-risk approach and sensible advice, but losing performing is hard and I think not too many people can relate to the joy performing or creating music can bring.
Anyway, I should stop rambling, but in conclusion, it's good to have you here, even though none of us want to be here at all.
Hi Buddy
I'm intrigued.
What instrument did you play?
What jazz style were you in?
Why did you pack it in?
To keep it short:
I played cornet in the local Salvation Army Band from age 10 to age 18.
My two brothers both played trombone in the same band.
At age 18 I picked up my twin brother's trombone and in an afternoon worked out all the slide positions for myself.
I have never had a trombone lesson, but self taught very quickly - I was so keen to get out there and do it.
Having had three years piano lessons I knew all about chord structures and had a very good ear.
Started playing jazz trombone that year.
In 1990 I became aware of a faint hiss in my left ear.
Audible but very quiet - no problem.
Things went on as normal for years.
Played professionally in New Orleans, Dixieland, Mainstream styles, numerous bands.
Did recordings, broadcasts, international festivals, Germany, Holland, Montreux, Sacramento, cruise ships etc...
My wife Sylvie opened our own jazz club in 2006 which she ran for ten years.
Just a one concert a month affair.
Then in 2014 I had a terrible acoustic trauma which did real damage.
I have written that up in other posts.
I don't really want to revisit that any more.
I started using ear plugs to prevent further damage, but in 2017 decided I could no longer accept the gamble, so I folded my career.
I was first call for five bands at that time.
Such a loss.
I had a good sound, understood the chords, knew how to run with the sequence, everything.
Suddenly ripped away by the negligence of another person.
I have just had to accept it.
Please tell me a bit about your career buddy.
Dave x
Jazzer
Member
