Who knew that Star Trek's Captain James T. Kirk suffered from tinnitus? Apparently, even in the 23rd century, they haven't yet found a cure. :-(I know. Bad joke, right? According to Shatner, he was filming an episode of the original Star Trek show when it happened. He was apparently too close to a special effect when it exploded. The result was tinnitus, which has been with him to this very day, now more than 40 years since that tragic incident.
The good news is that, by all accounts, he has managed to maintain a full career, going on to star in hundreds of TV shows and movies, including six full-feature Star Trek films as Kirk. I'd have to say that he is a big inspiration for anyone who lives with tinnitus and is struggling to do so.
As any tinnitus sufferer can attest, however, Shatner's journey hasn't been an easy one. At times he struggled, even to the point of contemplating suicide. How did he manage to find his way through the darkness? He found hope for a cure--through the American Tinnitus Foundation. You can watch and listen to his story below.
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