Making music with tinnitus
Ludwig van Beethoven, Ethel Smyth, Ozzy Osbourne, and Barbra Streisand – they all have two things in common: they come from the music industry, and they suffer from hearing impairment, ranging from mild to profound deafness. This phenomenon is not uncommon among musicians, yet it is rarely discussed. The Dutch composer and musician Stephen Emmer wants to break this stigma. Iris Freiberger introduces him.
Tinnitus in B-flat
More than 10 years ago, composer Stephen Emmer suddenly lost his hearing. At first, it was a constant ringing, which after a while developed into a single tone, a permanent buzzing in his ears, also known as tinnitus. Emmer can even name this tone: it's a B-flat. He tries to make the best of the situation and the persistent tone, composing specifically in the key of B-flat.
"The doctor said it must be related to the fact that I spent 20 years performing on stage." [Stephen Emmer]
Pop Bands
Emmer played in pop bands in the 80s. Back then, the volume and the associated hearing damage weren't yet a concern among musicians. He draws a comparison to his parents' generation. In the 50s and 60s, people weren't aware of the health risks of smoking either—smoking was downplayed. Today, warnings are issued. But hearing problems in the music industry remain a taboo subject.
"I think it's an economic factor. They pay for your professional services, and then you're afraid of losing your job. People who aren't informed about it quickly think: 'Oh, this musician is disabled. He can't produce anymore.'" [Stephen Emmer]
Insidious Symptoms
To raise awareness about music-induced hearing loss, particularly among musicians but also among the general public, Stephen Emmer founded the Artists Against Tinnitus Foundation. In the Netherlands, they are in talks with the government about volume levels at concerts.
The goal is to find a solution that can be implemented long-term for both performing musicians and audiences. Many people are unaware that tinnitus is a phenomenon that often develops unnoticed over years. Most people assume the ringing or buzzing starts immediately.
Furthermore, it's not just the volume itself that matters, but also the duration of exposure. Meanwhile, the ringing in Emmer's ears has reverted to a constant noise.
In 2012, the ringing in his ears became so severe that Stephen Emmer was on the verge of ending his career. His symptoms are now minimal, and with his album Mt Mundane, he wants to raise awareness of the problems of tinnitus and hearing loss in the music industry.
Despair, Hope, Regret, Gratitude
Stephen Emmer has explored the theme of hearing loss in a new concept album. Mt Mundane tells the story of the highs and lows of his life in 15 tracks, experiences with which many others can relate.
"I tried to convey that in my music. Elements of my grief, elements of despair, hope, regret, and gratitude symbolise the many crises that an individual can overcome to create something beautiful out of misery." [Stephen Emmer]
Listen to Mt Mundane here
[SWR Kultur / Treffpunkt Klassik - Iris Freiberger]
Listen to Mt Mundane on your favourite music platform here
Buy the Mt Mundane album on CD here