Andrew Falkous is a Welsh singer and guitarist known for fronting the noise rock bands mclusky and Future of the Left, two groups famous for loud, abrasive guitar music. In a 2025 interview, he spoke publicly about living with tinnitus.
What Andrew Falkous has said about tinnitus
Speaking with the music site SonicAbuse in June 2025, Falkous said he has tinnitus in his left ear. In general, ringing that sits in just one ear is a pattern hearing specialists like to examine closely, whatever the likely cause.
He connected the ringing to two things: years of playing loud music, and problems with his neck. Those are the only details he gave in that interview, and they are worth noting because both noise exposure and neck issues are among the factors doctors often ask about when someone reports tinnitus.
Why musicians in loud bands are at risk
Noise rock is built on volume: stacked amplifiers, crashing drums and feedback used as part of the sound. In small venues, the stage can be just as loud as the room, and the band has little space to get away from it. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends keeping exposure at or below 85 decibels averaged over eight hours. For every 3 decibels above that, the safe listening time is cut in half, so a loud gig can use up a full day’s safe dose in minutes. Over time, this kind of exposure can lead to noise-induced hearing loss, which is permanent, and tinnitus often comes along with it.
- Guitar amps at ear level. Players often stand right in front of their own cabinets, which puts the loudest sound straight into their ears.
- Cymbals and snare. The drum kit sends sharp, high-frequency peaks across the whole stage.
- Feedback by design. In noise rock, sustained feedback is often part of the music, which adds long stretches of high-pitched sound.
- Small rooms with hard walls. Low ceilings and bare surfaces bounce sound back at the band.
- Neck and jaw tension. Long hours of playing in one posture can strain the neck, and problems in the neck and jaw are sometimes linked with changes in tinnitus.
Hearing-protection habits for gigging musicians
You do not need to give up loud music to protect your ears. A few habits on stage and in rehearsal make a real difference over a long career:
| Habit | How | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Musician earplugs | Get custom-molded plugs with flat filters from an audiologist | Cuts volume while keeping the tone of your guitar clear |
| Angle the amp | Tilt or raise the cabinet so it points at your head, not your knees | You hear yourself at a lower volume |
| Stretch and move | Loosen the neck and shoulders before and after shows | Less tension from long hours holding one position |
| Daily ear support | A formula you have reviewed with your doctor | Everyday support for ears and mind |
If neck pain is a regular part of your life, a doctor or physical therapist can look at posture, strap height and how you set up your gear.
What tinnitus is, in plain terms
Tinnitus is hearing a sound, such as ringing, buzzing or hissing, that has no outside source. Most cases are subjective, meaning only the person can hear it; a rare objective type can be heard by a doctor with a stethoscope. Common causes include noise exposure, hearing loss that builds up over time, earwax, certain medicines and problems with the jaw or neck. For many people, the brain slowly learns to pay less attention to the sound, a process called habituation.
Hearing specialists may suggest sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to ease the stress around the noise, or hearing aids when hearing loss is also present. A full checkup is the right starting point, especially when the ringing is only in one ear.
When tinnitus or hearing loss is clearly stronger on one side, an ENT doctor will usually look a little further. That can mean a detailed hearing test of each ear and, in some cases, an MRI scan to rule out rare problems along the hearing nerve. Most of the time nothing serious is found, but the check gives peace of mind and a clear starting point. If neck or jaw tension seems to change the ringing, mention it, because a physical therapist may be part of the plan.
A closer look at the ZenCortex formula
Protection and good posture are the foundation, and many people also like a small routine they can follow every day at home. ZenCortex is a formula that people with ringing ears have been talking about a lot lately, and plenty of them have made it a regular part of their mornings. The company describes it as a liquid formula with over 20 carefully selected ingredients, made in the USA, non-habit forming and free of stimulants. Among them:✓ Official site · Free US shipping on 6 bottles · 60-day money-back guarantee See today’s price →
- Grape seed and green tea, two sources of plant antioxidants
- Panax ginseng and astragalus, herbs with a long traditional use for vitality and clarity
- Gymnema sylvestre and capsicum annuum, part of the botanical blend
- Chromium picolinate and maca root, included for overall energy and well-being
How to get started today
- Book a hearing test. An audiologist can test each ear separately and refer you to an ENT doctor if the ringing is one-sided.
- Track gigs, posture and ringing. Our free Tinnitus Diary lets you record shows, rehearsals, neck pain and sleep, so patterns become easier to spot.
- Add daily support for ears and mind. Along with earplugs on every stage, this is where many readers choose ZenCortex.
- Choose the best value. The 6-bottle package has the lowest price per bottle, free US shipping and two bonus e-books.
- $49 per bottle on the 6-bottle package (save $780)
- Free US shipping on every 6-bottle order
- 2 free bonus e-books on hearing and memory
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Common questions
Does Andrew Falkous have tinnitus?
He has said so. In a 2025 interview with SonicAbuse, he said he has tinnitus in his left ear and linked it to years of loud music and to neck problems.
Can neck problems affect tinnitus?
In some people, yes. Tension or injury in the neck and jaw can change how loud the ringing seems, a pattern sometimes called somatic tinnitus. A doctor can examine you and suggest next steps.
Is ZenCortex a good fit with my medicines?
Let your doctor or pharmacist decide. Bring the label and your medicine list to your next visit.✓ Official site · Free US shipping on 6 bottles · 60-day money-back guarantee See today’s price →
Where do I order?
ZenCortex is sold only through the official website, where you will find the current packages, two bonus e-books and the 60-day money-back guarantee.
In summary
Andrew Falkous has said he lives with tinnitus in his left ear, which he ties to years of loud music and to neck problems. For anyone who plays in a loud band, the practical steps are clear: wear musician earplugs, point amps toward your ears rather than turning them up, look after your neck and get one-sided ringing checked by a professional.
With earplugs in your gig bag and a hearing test booked, now is the perfect time to try ZenCortex, with free shipping on every 6-bottle order and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Was this article helpful?
Thanks for your feedback — it helps us improve our coverage.
Get the Daily Health View briefing
The day's most important health news, explained clearly. One short email a day. Unsubscribe anytime.
