I was reading a newspaper article recently and there was a very interesting topic on hearing problem, hyperacusis. Singer-song writer Chris Singleton suffered from this condition, which put a strain on his career and relationship with his girlfriend. His ears became extremely sensitive to everyday sounds, such as the sound of espresso machines and mobile ringtones.
Chris told the Independent; “It started with the sensation of a ‘fullness’ in my ears, a bit like the experience you might have after swimming,” he says. “Then, within weeks, the most commonplace noises were becoming excruciating.”
“I suffered from it for the best part of a year and it affected every aspect of my life. I had moved to London to be with my girlfriend, Emma, and it put a real strain on our relationship. I was angry and irritable all the time and she would have to tip-toe around me. During arguments, we would have to whisper rather than shout.”
To make sure he could hear without having constant pains in his ears, Chris wore attenuating earplugs to lower the level of sound emitted whilst still being able to hear conversations.
In the studio, when he was mixing his first album at Abbey Road, Chris found himself in an embarrassing situation, having to tell the engineer to turn the volume down. “He looked at me like I had lost my mind”.
After a while and countless appointments with the doctor, Chris Singleton was diagnosed with the rare medical condition of hyperacusis, in which he had to refrain from wearing the earplugs and attend regular appointments at a hearing therapist.
“It’s made me appreciate my hearing, that’s for sure. I’m careful not to wear headphones that much and when I’m playing or at a gig I wear special musician’s earplugs.”