Today was the day when the loud buzzing in my ears was going to bugger off. It’s been doing my head in for weeks.
I had good reason to be hopeful. Back in 2024, I had a spell when the buzzing got so loud I kept looking round for whatever was making it. I went for wax removal and the next morning?
Nothing. No buzzing.
Naturally, I fancied a repeat performance.
I’m one of those lucky devils whose ears collect wax. Some people collect stamps. My collection needs an audiologist and a suction pump.
I do my bit to keep the olive oil drop manufacturers in business, too. Glamorous business, having ears.
This time, though, I hadn’t noticed much loss of hearing. Didn’t think there was much wax in there.
There was.
The audiologist suctioned the gunk out earlier today. Afterwards, she showed me the view through her camera. We could see my eardrums again.
Result.
Except I’m sitting here with the buzzing still driving me mad.
I’ve got a hearing test booked. That’s the next step. Last time, the noise stopped the following morning, so part of me is still hoping I’ll wake up tomorrow and notice it’s gone.
For now, it’s keeping me company while I write.
The thing I miss is music.
I’ve been a death and black metal fan for years. Not everyone’s cup of tea, so I’ve usually listened through headphones. Over-ear ones. Kept my racket to myself.
I can hear the response already.
Aha! There you go, then.
Was the music to blame? I don’t know. I’m not an ear, nose and throat specialist. Being able to name a few black metal bands doesn’t qualify me.
After the first bout of tinnitus, The experts told me not to go to gigs. I haven’t been to one for years. More recently, I’ve been avoiding headphones, too. Months now.
I cancelled my music subscriptions. Didn’t seem much point paying for something I wasn’t using.
That’s the bit I hadn’t expected. I was trying to get rid of an unwanted noise. Somewhere along the way, I stopped listening to the noise I actually liked.
So I’m waiting for the hearing test. I’d like an answer, though I don’t yet know whether there’ll be a straightforward one.
Right. Another brew.
For a minute or two, the kettle will make a noise I can account for.