Does anybody hear this?

So... it's been several months since my left ear-drum ruptured, due to a severe inner-ear infection. I'm not the first or only musician to deal with this malady, but the nature of what I produce demands critical listening, which has been hindered by my newly acquainted tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and generally muffled/altered hearing.

This sucks.

I've always valued my hearing as one of my greatest assets. And now I feel somewhat broken. I listen to works of mine and second guess their quality even more-so than I normally might. It's been a struggle to not to let this get me down... not to blame myself or my body for not "working properly".

In response, I've been attempting to concentrate on my photography and some other interests. It's been somewhat helpful, though I'd give nearly anything to have my regular hearing back. For some odd reason it's been worse the past few days, and conditions at work seem to aggravate it more readily.

On a brighter note, I went to visit my very talented and good friend, Charles Cohen two weekends ago in Philly. An inspiring, fun, relaxing and rejuvenating trip. Thank you Charles - it meant so very much to me!

This is a clip of Charles and Masri performing in Philly - Good fun!