Garrison Keillor is an American writer and radio host, best known as the host of A Prairie Home Companion. In one of his columns, he wrote about the ringing in his ears and about an unexpected summer sound that made it easier to ignore.
What Garrison Keillor has said about tinnitus
In a column published in June 2007, Keillor wrote that he lives with tinnitus, which he described simply as ringing in the ears. Tinnitus is common, yet many people never talk about it, so a plain mention from a well-known writer helps make it a normal topic.
He also wrote that the summer buzz of cicadas covered up the ringing for him. That small observation lines up with something hearing specialists use every day: steady background sound can make tinnitus far less noticeable, an idea known as sound masking.
Why broadcasters and performers are at risk
Radio hosts spend much of their working lives wearing headphones, and live radio shows with music, bands and theater audiences add another layer of sound. Most of the time these levels are moderate, but long hours and loud moments can add up. NIOSH, the federal agency that studies workplace safety, recommends limiting noise exposure to 85 decibels averaged over eight hours, and every 3-decibel rise halves the safe time. Too much sound over time can lead to noise-induced hearing loss, which cannot be undone, and tinnitus often goes with it. Many other things, from earwax to certain medicines, can also play a part.
- Studio headphones. Hosts often turn up their headphones to hear guests, callers and music cues clearly.
- Live music on air. Shows with bands on stage bring amplified sound close to the microphone and the host.
- Theater audiences. Laughter and applause in a full hall can be louder than people expect.
- Long recording days. Hours of editing and listening back add to the total daily dose.
- Quiet rooms. Ironically, very quiet places can make existing ringing seem louder, because there is nothing to cover it.
Hearing habits for headphones and quiet evenings
Here are simple ways to protect your hearing and make ringing easier to live with, borrowing the idea of gentle background sound:
| Habit | How | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Headphones at a moderate level | Set a comfortable volume and take short breaks each hour | Limits the total sound reaching your ears |
| Natural background sound | Open a window to birdsong or insects, or play nature sounds softly | Steady sound can make ringing less noticeable |
| Avoid total silence at night | Use a fan or a low sound machine at bedtime | Helps many people fall asleep more easily |
| Daily ear support | A formula you have reviewed with your doctor | Everyday support for ears and mind |
Background sound works best when it is soft and pleasant, set just below the level of the ringing rather than loud enough to drown it out.
What tinnitus is, in plain terms
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, humming or hissing when no outside sound is present. It is usually subjective, heard only by the person; a rare objective type can be heard by a doctor using a stethoscope. Noise exposure, hearing loss, earwax, ear infections and some medicines are among the common causes. Many people find the brain gradually stops paying attention to the sound, a process called habituation.
Sound therapy, which uses gentle background sound much like that summer chorus of insects, is one of the most widely used approaches. Cognitive behavioral therapy can ease the stress tied to the ringing, and hearing aids often help when hearing loss is also present.
There are many kinds of background sound to try. White noise has an even hiss, like a fan or radio static. Pink and brown noise sound deeper and softer, more like steady rain or distant surf, and many people find them more relaxing. Nature recordings, from ocean waves to crickets and summer insects, add gentle variety. Free apps and simple bedside machines make it easy to test a few options. The goal is not to cover the ringing completely, but to give the brain something calmer to focus on.
A closer look at the ZenCortex formula
Soft background sound and moderate headphone levels are a gentle place to start, and some people like to add one more simple habit to the day. ZenCortex has been getting a lot of attention lately among people with ringing ears, and many of them have made it part of their regular daily routine. 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
- Have your hearing tested. An audiologist can check for hearing loss and suggest sound therapy options that fit your home and work life.
- Notice what helps. Our free Tinnitus Diary lets you record which sounds, places and times of day make the ringing softer or louder.
- Add daily support for ears and mind. Alongside soothing background sound, 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 Garrison Keillor have tinnitus?
He has written about it. In a June 2007 column, he said he has tinnitus and that the sound of cicadas in summer masked the ringing.
Why does tinnitus seem louder in a quiet room?
Without other sounds around, the brain notices the ringing more. Adding soft, steady background sound, such as a fan or nature recordings, often makes it fade into the background.
Should I talk to my doctor before starting ZenCortex?
Yes. Bring the label to your doctor or pharmacist so they can check it against your medicines and health history.✓ Official site · Free US shipping on 6 bottles · 60-day money-back guarantee See today’s price →
Where can I buy it?
ZenCortex is available only through the official website, which shows the current packages, two bonus e-books and the 60-day money-back guarantee.
In summary
Garrison Keillor wrote in 2007 that he has tinnitus and that the summer song of cicadas helped mask it. That simple observation reflects a practical tool for anyone with ringing ears: gentle background sound. Keep headphones at moderate levels, avoid complete silence at night, get your hearing tested and see a doctor if the ringing changes suddenly or affects one ear.
With a little soothing background sound in your evenings, now is the perfect time to try ZenCortex, with free shipping on every 6-bottle order and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
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