Hollywood blockbuster movie “A Star is Born” was released last year with rave reviews, and as hearing professionals we appreciated the spotlight being shone on some of the challenges and dangers that tinnitus, a condition of the auditory system, can have on someones life.

Although a fictional film, it reveals a confronting truth about noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus.

Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) falls in love with Ally (Lady Gaga) and performs very loud, rock-n-roll concerts to sold-out arenas every night. As he was born with hearing loss, this extreme exposure to loud noise compounds to leave Maine with a constant ringing tone (tinnitus) in his head. This causes immense frustration, anxiety and everyday problems hearing conversations.

While tinnitus can affect anyone, it’s especially prominent in musicians and other individuals who may be regularly exposed to loud noises (this includes farmers & trades who work in close proximity) .

A Star Is Born shows just how debilitating tinnitus can be.  Throughout the movie we witness Maine’s manager and ENT urging him to wear in-ear monitors, which are custom-moulded ear plugs that blocks dangerous sound yet allows musicians to still hear their voices and instruments over loud audiences and speakers, but he refuses. Subsequently, the tinnitus gets worse as Maine fails to manage it appropriately, a shockingly common combination in tinnitus sufferers.

A Star Is Born may be a Hollywood blockbuster, but the message is real: Tinnitus can be debilitating. 

We offer several treatment & management options for tinnitus sufferers. Please give us a call to discuss on 08 9751 1899