*No, I'm not asking that in some introspective way nor wanting this to turn into some deep conversation. And no, this doesn't have anything to do with a quarantine or anything like that because it's been going on for years*
I literally mean: what do you hear when it's silent?
I've noticed this for a long time now (been playing drums for almost 20 years and playing music/instruments for about 22+ years in general) and was reminded of it this morning while sitting in my drum room that was completely silent at the time.
When it is silent I hear what could only be described as static in both ears. Like a radio that has no station but very quiet. In addition, I hear a soft high pitched tone.. almost like a bell but a continuous note with no ringing, a 'syntone' I believe is what it could be most closely described as. The longer I sit in silence the louder that 'tone' gets to the point that it will start to cause discomfort in my temples and almost feel like the insides of my ears are being gently squeezed. If my allergies are active that day it will quickly spread into my sinus cavities and nasal passage. I literally keep a talk radio station on 24/7 at home whenever I'm not watching TV or playing drums because it really starts to bother me.
Am I going deaf? Am I going crazy? Am I just a drummer with the beginnings of ear damage after two decades on the throne?
So, what do you hear when it's silent?
That totally sounds like early signs of ear problems to me.
In silence I hear nothing but drum grooves going round my head! in terms of ringing - NOPE nothing as I always try my best to look after my ears and when I do feel any slight after effects of loud music I take the necessary steps to prevent future damage.
If I was you I'd immediately take a break, invest in really really good earplugs and defenders. Even wear plugs round the house and day to day to help recover. Also wear them when you go out to clubs/gigs/nights out. Completely avoid listening to general music or drum tracks through headphones for the time being too - If you use headphones on an electric kit then swap to an amp for a short while as I sometimes do this when I can tell i've blasted too much but still need to practice. If you have done all this already then go to see a specialist and get advice on tinnitus.
Last edited: