Tinnitus is the number one most common disability veterans experience after returning home from the battlefield. Soldiers operate in an extremely stressful environment with constant noise exposure from firing weapons, operating machinery, and riding in vehicles, among other sources. Being in such an environment over a long enough timeframe often leads to some degree of hearing damage to the sensory hair cells. Consequently, it is common for soldiers to experience sudden and severe outbreaks of tinnitus, which can occur even years after returning home from service. In these cases, due to the underlying hearing damage, it doesn’t take much to trigger a tinnitus outbreak.
In Mikkel Dahlmann’s case, a firecracker exploding in a trash can was the tipping point that left him with severe ringing in his ears. But he found hope through music therapy, which reduced his tinnitus frequency from 11,500 Hz down to 252 Hz. Now, he’s not just achieving amazing results; he’s also reaching out to help others like him. He’s showing that people with tinnitus aren’t alone and that there are ways to quieter days. In this interview you will discover Mikkel’s story – a beacon of hope for soldiers seeking relief from the ringing that follows them long after their service is done.
How did you discover you had tinnitus? (Did it come on gradually?)
“It happened during Christmas time in 2018 on a day when I went grocery shopping. Just as I stepped out of the supermarket, someone set off a firecracker in a trash can right where I was walking. It made an enormous bang right next to me. At that moment, I didn’t experience anything, but a few hours later, the tinnitus started violently. Having been a soldier for several years, and also worked as a construction worker, I had become exposed to a lot of noise, which had made my hearing somewhat sensitive. But after the firecracker incident, things went completely out of control.”
How and to what extent were you burdened by your tinnitus?
“I was terribly troubled by it. It sounded like someone was standing right next to me with a huge angle grinder running wildly. I couldn’t find peace. I was restless and couldn’t concentrate. I couldn’t sleep either. I constantly had to have an audiobook playing in my ears to try to muffle the sound. I went to the doctor, who said It was something I had to live with, and he gave me some antidepressants, which were supposed to help with my discomfort. The pills didn’t really help, so after 2 months I stopped taking them as they also had various side effects.”
How did you hear about treating tinnitus with music?
“I was online reading about a new kind of therapy with music in the U.S.. So, I thought that there must also be something similar available in Denmark, and that way, I discovered Borgaa. I contacted Thomas and he seemed very honest and sincere. He encouraged me to make sure that my doctor and the public health services could not do anything for me. I really appreciated that. So, I borrowed some money, booked a treatment, and rented a summer house near Skive. I live on Bornholm, so it was impossible to commute daily. Then we started the treatment and Thomas measured my frequency at 11,500 Hz.”
How, and to what extend, has the treatment helped you?
“It has really helped me. Today, I am down to 252 Hz. I have gotten a whole new life again. I am almost back to the way I was and felt before.”
How did the treatment process go?
“I’ve listened for 30 minutes every day – right before I sleep. I still do that. I relax with it when I lie in bed. Right now, we’re working to get under 200 Hz – so I take new frequency tests with Thomas every 3 months. I hope it succeeds.”
How long have you been doing music therapy and when did you start noticing an actual improvement?
“I started the music therapy in April 2019. During the first week at Borgaa, I could feel something happening in my head. It was hard to put it into words exactly what. After 3 months, I was back in Skive, and then I noticed an improvement. But after 6 months, I could really feel a great change.”
Has your quality of life improved?
“Definitely a better quality of life. Much better. However, it has given me a fear that it might come back. I had to leave a concert early because I was worried. I always wear earplugs when I leave the house – even at the cinema, I keep them in. I’m an electrician and therefore work on many different construction sites, where it can be very noisy, so I always wear earplugs with heavy hearing protectors over them. That’s my concern, but I’ve gotten my old life back.”
Have you tried other forms of tinnitus treatment?
“No.”
It may seem like a strange question, but have you experienced any side effects from the music treatment?
“No.”
How would you describe this form of treatment?
“It’s a super good and effective treatment approach. I’ve also told many people about it. But it requires effort because without it, it won’t help. It requires discipline and following up every day. Of course, it also requires effort to protect the hearing from noise exposure in all parts of life.”
What role did Thomas and his clinic play in your treatment?
“They’ve been fantastic and so positive – but also super honest at Borgaa. I’ve also told Thomas that he can use my picture and mention my name in his brochures. I’ve even started a Facebook group discussing his music therapy. I’ve also invited Thomas to Bornholm to give a lecture about the clinic. I really value their work and the way they are.”
