Will.i.am, who will be taking to The Voice judging panel for another series, has been battling tinnitus over the last decade. The condition is characterised by hearing noises that aren’t caused by an outside source.

READ MORE

• Paul Hollywood health: GBBO star’s secret battle – the symptoms

While it’s usually not a sign of any serious conditions, and generally improves over time, there’s currently no cure.

In an interview with Express.co.uk, it was clear the star has come to terms with his condition.

He said: “It’s just my tinnitus. I have it. It just comes from, you know, being around loud environments, and there’s nothing I can do about it.”

Will.i.am revealed it doesn’t affect his coaching any less than being in the studio recording music.

He continued: “I try not to think about it, like, oh my gosh I always hear *buzzing*.

“Like now I hear it. It’s just, it is what it is.”

Touching on there currently being no cure for tinnitus, the star said: “The sad thing about it is, if you’re like 70 and you still want to like do it, you can take like a pull and they figure that out. You know? But they haven’t figured it out – hearing.

“It’s jut crazy. If you can’t see it, figure that out. But they haven’t figured that out.”

What does tinnitus sound like?

According to the NHS, tinnitus can sound like:

• Ringing
• Buzzing
• Whooshing
• Humming
• Throbbing
• Music or signing

These sounds may be heard in one or both ears, or in a person’s head.

READ MORE

• Debbie McGee health: Star on diagnosis of deadly disease

They also may come and go, or they may be heard all the time.

The health body advises: “See a GP if you have tinnitus regularly or constantly, your tinnitus is getting worse, or your tinnitus is bothering you – for example, it’s affecting your sleep or concentration.

“Ask for an urgent GP appointment if you have tinnitus after a head injury, tinnitus with sudden hearing loss, weakness in the muscles of your face, or a spinning sensation (vertigo), or tinnitus that beats in time with your pulse.”

Tinnitus treatment

The NHS advises a number of things you can do to try ease tinnitus.

You should:

• Try to relax- deep breathing or yoga may help

• Try to find ways to improve your sleep, such as sticking to a bedtime routine or cutting down on caffeine

• Joint a support group – talking to other people with tinnitus may help you cope

Don’t:

• Have total silence – listening to soft music or sounds (called sound therapy) can distract you from the tinnitus
• Do not focus on it, as this can make it worse – hobbies and activities can help take your mind off it

Source: Read Full Article