A Music Teacher's Battle with Tinnitus and Hyperacusis

Joel Styzens, a Chicago musician and teacher at the renowned Old Town School of Folk Music, was diagnosed with tinnitus and hyperacusis over three years ago; a reality that essentially ended his career as professional drummer. But that didn't stop him from developing a refined approach to his music and his dedication to teaching.

A Passion Becomes a Problem...

Life changing experiences caused irreparable damage to Joel's hearing: childhood ear infections; practicing drums for up to four hours a day; performing on stage with rock and jazz bands six nights a week; and teaching music by day. "I had a life of nonstop sound from 1999 to 2005," says Joel. "I woke up one Sunday morning with a loud ringing in my head and ears." His tinnitus was accompanied by hyperacusis, an intense sensitivity to everyday sounds. He was 24 years old.

"In the beginning, I felt all alone with this, but then went through a process of acceptance," explains Joel. "I changed my negative emotional response to these problems into a more positive one. I started to focus on moving forward with my life, concentrating more on the present and figuring out how to keep my passion for music alive."

"I feel like I can do something positive to provide hope and to inspire and help people with tinnitus and hyperacusis. There are so many things I want to accomplish and I feel like I am just getting started. I get a good number of e-mails from people around the world telling me how my message and music have inspired them. I feel like this is what I am supposed to be doing with my life."

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