Neal Schon is the American rock guitarist best known for his work with Journey, and he also played with Santana. He is one of the many touring musicians who have spoken publicly about tinnitus, the ringing in the ears that so often follows years of loud stages.
What Neal Schon has said about tinnitus
In a 2007 interview with the Express & Star, Schon confirmed that he has tinnitus, a constant ringing in his ears. The article, which is also cited on his Wikipedia page, noted that this kind of ringing is common among musicians who have spent a great deal of their working lives on tour.
That short comment says a lot about the job. A guitarist on a long tour plays night after night in front of amplifiers and monitors, then often travels and rehearses in between. Few people outside music think about the cumulative effect on the ears, which is why it matters when well-known players mention it openly.
Why touring guitarists are at risk
Hearing damage from noise depends on two things: how loud the sound is and how long it lasts. NIOSH, the US agency that studies workplace safety, recommends keeping exposure under 85 dBA averaged over eight hours. For every 3 dB above that, the safe listening time is cut in half, so a sound at 100 dBA is only considered safe for about 15 minutes. A rock concert can easily reach or pass that level near the stage. Too much exposure can harm the tiny hair cells in the inner ear, which do not grow back, and that can lead to lasting noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Guitar amplifiers at close range. Standing a few feet from a stack of speakers puts the ear right in the strongest part of the sound.
- Stage monitors and side fills. Players often ask for more of their own instrument in the monitor mix, which raises the overall level on stage.
- Long runs of shows. Night after night of loud sound leaves the ears little time to rest and recover.
- Soundchecks and rehearsals. These add hours of exposure that people tend to forget when they think only about the show itself.
- Loud travel and downtime. Buses, planes and clubs after the gig keep the ears busy even when the music has stopped.
Practical hearing-protection habits for musicians and fans
Whether you play guitar in a bar band or simply stand near the front at concerts, a few habits can make a real difference over the years. None of them requires giving up loud music; they simply lower the dose.
| Habit | How to do it | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Wear high-fidelity earplugs | Keep a pair on your keychain or in your guitar case | Lowers volume evenly so music still sounds clear |
| Change where you stand | Step away from the speaker stacks and amps | A few steps back can lower the level you hear |
| Plan quiet time | Give your ears a calm day after a loud night | Allows rest between periods of exposure |
| Daily ear support | A formula you have reviewed with your doctor | Everyday support for ears and mind |
Custom-molded earplugs from an audiologist cost more than foam plugs, but many musicians find them more comfortable for long sets. Foam plugs still work well when inserted correctly, and they are better than nothing at any show.
What tinnitus is, in plain terms
Tinnitus is the sensation of sound when no outside sound is present. It may be ringing, buzzing, hissing or humming. Most cases are subjective, meaning only the person can hear it, and they are often linked to hearing loss from noise or aging of the ear, earwax buildup, ear infections, some medicines, or problems with the jaw and neck. Objective tinnitus, which a doctor can sometimes hear, is rare and usually related to blood flow or muscle movement near the ear, and it needs a medical exam.
For many people the brain gradually pays less attention to the sound over time, a process called habituation. Approaches that can help include sound therapy with low background noise, cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce the stress the sound causes, and hearing aids when there is also hearing loss. An audiologist or an ear, nose and throat doctor can help you find the right mix.
A closer look at the ZenCortex formula
Earplugs protect your ears from the noise around you, and many people also want one simple step for their hearing each day. Lately ZenCortex has been a popular topic among people with ringing ears, and many have made it a steady part of their 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
- Schedule a hearing test. An audiologist can check your hearing, talk about your noise exposure and fit you for the right earplugs.
- Track your ringing. Our free Tinnitus Diary helps you log loud events, sleep, stress and how the ringing changes from day to day.
- Add daily support for ears and mind. Together with good protection, 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 Neal Schon have tinnitus?
Yes. He has said in a 2007 interview with the Express & Star that he has tinnitus, a constant ringing in the ears, which the article described as common among musicians who tour a lot.
Can ringing after one loud concert go away?
Ringing after a single loud event often fades within hours or a day or two. If it lasts longer, or if your hearing feels muffled, see an audiologist or doctor, and protect your ears at the next show.
Do foam earplugs really work at concerts?
Yes, when they are rolled thin and inserted deep enough to expand in the ear canal. If they keep falling out or feel uncomfortable, ask an audiologist about other sizes or custom plugs.
Where can I buy ZenCortex?
On the official website, which lists the current packages, the two bonus e-books and the 60-day money-back guarantee. Check the label with your doctor first if you take any medicines.✓ Official site · Free US shipping on 6 bottles · 60-day money-back guarantee See today’s price →
In summary
Neal Schon has confirmed that he lives with tinnitus, a common issue for musicians who spend years on tour. Loud amplifiers, monitors and long stretches of shows all add to the risk. The best defense is steady: wear good earplugs, keep some distance from the loudest sources, rest your ears, and get a hearing test if ringing appears or changes.
With your earplugs packed and your hearing checked, 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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