What if I told you some of your favorite celebrities, Grammy-winning musicians, Oscar-winning actors, and even legendary rockstars, are haunted by a sound they can’t escape?
It’s not the roar of a crowd or the flash of paparazzi cameras.
It’s a constant, unrelenting ringing or buzzing in their ears. No off switch. No pause button. For many of them, it’s been there for decades, shaping their lives in ways we can’t imagine.
So, here’s the big question:
How do they do it?
How does Eric Clapton keep playing guitar solos that move the world when his ears are screaming?
How does Barbra Streisand hit those impossible high notes while battling a noise only she can hear?
And how did William Shatner turn a traumatic on-set accident into a mission to help others cope with the same condition?
Tinnitus is one of those invisible challenges that most of us never think about until it happens to us.
Today, we’re peeling back the curtain to uncover the untold stories of how some of the biggest names in the world live with this relentless noise—and more importantly, how they’ve learned to rise above it.
How Did They Get Tinnitus?
For many celebrities, tinnitus is a career hazard—an occupational side effect of living life at full volume.
Eric Clapton
Legendary guitarist Eric Clapton developed tinnitus after decades of performing next to towering stacks of amplifiers in sold-out arenas. The constant exposure to deafening decibels left him with permanent ringing in his ears. Clapton now advocates for hearing protection and openly discusses the importance of preserving your hearing before it’s too late.
William Shatner
“Captain Kirk” himself, William Shatner, didn’t get tinnitus from loud music but from an accident during a Star Trekshoot. A special effects explosion went wrong, leaving him with a high-pitched ringing that he’s lived with ever since. Shatner turned his frustration into action, working with audiologists and using sound-masking techniques to find relief.
Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand’s tinnitus isn’t tied to a single event. It’s something she’s dealt with since childhood. She describes the constant hum as an ever-present part of her life, shaping her relationship with sound and music. Despite the challenges, she sought help later in life, working with specialists to better manage the condition.
Steve Martin
Comedian Steve Martin’s tinnitus started after a particularly loud gunfight scene in the 1986 film ¡Three Amigos!. The sudden exposure to intense noise left him with a ringing that hadn’t gone away. Martin has since adapted to using hearing aids and sound therapy to keep performing and creating.
Chris Martin
Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin developed tinnitus after years of playing concerts without ear protection. He’s since become a passionate advocate for hearing health, using custom earplugs and educating fans and musicians about the importance of protecting their ears.
Sylvester Stallone
The iconic action star Sylvester Stallone acquired tinnitus after years of filming explosive action sequences. On movie sets, loud gunfire and pyrotechnics are commonplace, and Stallone’s experience reflects the risks of working in high-decibel environments. What’s unique about Stallone is how he’s embraced his tinnitus as part of his story, even weaving elements of his hearing challenges into his characters, raising awareness about the condition in subtle but impactful ways.
How They Cope
Living with tinnitus isn’t easy, but these celebrities have shown that it’s possible to adapt, thrive, and inspire others.
#1 Hearing Protection
Many, like Eric Clapton and Chris Martin, use custom earplugs or in-ear monitors during performances to prevent further damage.
#2 Sound Therapy
Shatner and others use sound-masking devices or apps that play white noise, soothing sounds, or tailored frequencies to minimize the perception of ringing.
#3 Lifestyle Adjustments
Cutting back on caffeine, staying hydrated, and reducing stress are common strategies. William Shatner emphasizes the importance of relaxation techniques in managing symptoms.
#4 Advocacy and Awareness
Clapton and Chris Martin use their platforms to raise awareness about tinnitus, encouraging fans to protect their hearing.
#5 Professional Help
Consulting audiologists and using advanced hearing devices have been game-changers for many. Steve Martin swears by hearing aids and personalized sound programs.
Tinnitus doesn’t care if you’re a rockstar or an office worker. It can affect anyone. These celebrity stories are a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our hearing and taking action when we notice something’s off.
Whether it’s turning down the volume on your headphones, wearing earplugs at concerts, or seeking professional help, small steps can make a big difference.
For those of you living with tinnitus: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about managing it?
Is there a tip, trick, or mindset shift that’s helped you the most? Or maybe something you wish you had known earlier?
Let’s share and support one another because when it comes to ear health, every voice matters.
If there’s one thing we can learn from these celebrities, it’s that tinnitus isn’t the end of the story.
With the right strategies and support, it’s possible to not just live with it, but to thrive. Let’s protect our hearing, spread awareness, and help each other tune out the noise.
