At HyperTribe, we are dedicated to amplifying the voices of musicians who navigate unique challenges in their careers. As part of our partnership with TinniSoothe, we are sharing the stories of five incredible artists who have firsthand experience with tinnitus. Today, we spotlight Barbara Guerra, a Venezuelan cellist and music producer whose journey through tinnitus has shaped her artistry and resilience.
A Life in Music
Barbara’s passion for music started early. “Since I was very little, music was always present in my life,” she recalls. She began her musical journey in choir before discovering her love for the cello at age 16. “I completely fell in love with it,” she says. Her dedication led her to play in orchestras in Venezuela, both as a soloist and an ensemble musician, before she immigrated to the UK.
But just as her career was gaining momentum, everything changed. Around the age of 20, a medical procedure—a routine ear cleaning—left her with tinnitus. “I don’t know if the pressure of the water was too high, but when the appointment ended, the noise was horrendous,” she remembers. From that day forward, the ringing never stopped.
The Battle with Tinnitus
Tinnitus nearly ended Barbara’s career. “It felt like my life had been split into a ‘before’ and ‘after,’” she says. “At first, I thought, ‘What am I going to do now? What’s going to happen to my music?’” She stepped away from music entirely for two years, overwhelmed by the constant noise in her ears and the psychological toll it took.
When she finally returned, it was a slow and painful process. “I had to retrain myself—not just musically, but mentally. I had to teach myself how to navigate making music with tinnitus.”
Over time, Barbara found ways to adapt. “Tinnitus changes every day. Some days it’s louder, some days it’s more bearable. It depends on my stress levels, my diet, even the seasons. But I’ve learned that the more I focus on it, the worse it gets. So, I try to focus on what brings me joy—playing music, creating, and staying connected with people who understand.”
Overcoming Challenges in Music Production
Barbara’s experience as a classical musician and music producer has given her unique insight into the challenges tinnitus presents. “When you’re producing music, you need silence to mix properly. But when you have tinnitus, you never get silence,” she explains. “It makes me question—am I really hearing what’s in the mix, or is it my tinnitus playing tricks on me?”
She admits that the psychological weight of this can be immense, but she refuses to let it define her. “There are so many successful musicians who have this. I remind myself that it’s just another challenge to work through. I refuse to let tinnitus limit what I can create.”
Breaking the Silence: Raising Awareness for Musicians
For Barbara, the stigma around tinnitus in the music industry is one of the biggest barriers to change. “It’s almost taboo to talk about it,” she says. “Musicians don’t want to hear about it because they’re afraid it might happen to them. And if you have it, you might feel ashamed, like you’re not as good as you used to be.”
This is why she’s so passionate about raising awareness. “When I told my family about my tinnitus, they had no idea what it was. They didn’t even know it existed. That’s why campaigns like this are so important—to educate, to support, and to remind musicians that they are not alone.”
How the Music Industry Can Help
Barbara believes the music industry must do more to support artists with hearing conditions. “I had to wait a whole year just to get an appointment with the NHS to check my ears. Imagine being a musician and having to wait that long to find out what’s happening with your hearing.”
She suggests that better support networks, faster medical attention, and industry-wide education about tinnitus could help artists protect their hearing. “It’s like an athlete with an injury—if they don’t get treatment quickly, their career could be over. Musicians should have access to the same level of care.”
A Message to Musicians with Tinnitus
When asked what advice she would give to others facing the same struggle, Barbara is firm: “Don’t go straight to the internet. There’s so much negativity online, and reading horror stories can destroy you mentally. Instead, be patient, get medical advice, and remember—you’re not going to die from tinnitus. It will be okay.”
She also emphasizes the importance of community. “You don’t have to go through this alone. Talk to people who understand, who can support you. And most of all—keep making music. Don’t let tinnitus take away what you love.”
Excited to Be Part of the Campaign
For Barbara, joining this campaign is more than just sharing her story—it’s about making a difference. “So many musicians feel like they have to keep tinnitus a secret. But we need to bring it into the light. We need to create a space where musicians can talk about it without fear or shame.”
She is excited to be part of an initiative that offers real solutions. “I didn’t know about TinniSoothe before this, but now that I do, I see how valuable it is. There are tools out there that can help people manage tinnitus, and more musicians need to know about them.”
What’s Next for Barbara?
Barbara is currently working on multiple projects, including a Renaissance music group and her own compositions. “I’ve spent a lot of time playing classical music and covers, but now I want to find my own voice. I want to start creating original music that speaks to my experiences.”
As she moves forward, she remains committed to her artistry and to raising awareness. “The show must go on,” she says with a smile. “Tinnitus won’t stop me. And if you’re struggling with it, don’t let it stop you either.”
Barbara’s story is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering determination. Through this campaign, HyperTribe and TinniSoothe are proud to stand with her—and with all musicians navigating the challenges of tinnitus. Stay tuned for more stories from artists in our campaign, and join us in spreading awareness about hearing health in the music industry.
