In a candid moment reminiscent of the cinematic stories he’s known for, William Shatner, the legendary star of Star Trek, unveiled a personal battle that has quietly shaped his life. At 94 years old, Shatner shared the profound impact of tinnitus, a challenging health condition rooted in a traumatic experience from his early acting days. Specifically, it was during the filming of the iconic episode “Arena” that a special effects explosion altered his life, leaving him to contend with the persistent sounds that others cannot hear.
“My own journey with tinnitus started when I was filming a Star Trek episode called Arena, and I was too close to the special effects explosion,” Shatner recalled in a heartfelt video for Tinnitus Quest, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the condition. The American Tinnitus Association defines tinnitus as “the perception of sound when no actual external noise is present,” commonly experienced as ringing, buzzing, or hissing. It’s a mysterious affliction that, according to Shatner, has been a tumultuous ride through the years.
Diagnosed in the 1990s, Shatner has navigated “many ups and downs” with his tinnitus, emphasizing the difficulties associated with the condition. With a somber reflection on the limited treatment options available, he acknowledged how chronic and debilitating tinnitus affects between one to two percent of the population—people who face a daily battle just to find moments of silence amid the noise.
“The more money we can raise for Tinnitus Quest, the quicker we can find a solution to help the millions of people suffering,” he shared passionately. His plea for support echoed through awareness campaigns and engagements, rallying others to consider contributing to research and solutions for this pervasive problem.
Shatner recounts the moment he first noticed something wasn’t righa serene day at the beach shattered by an unexpected “ssss” sound, which persisted despite the roar of crashing waves. Alarmed, he turned to a doctor, who grimly informed him that the issue might worsen with age—a chilling prediction that proved all too true.
After years of learning to live with tinnitus, Shatner explains how his brain began to “assimilate the sound,” much like someone accustomed to the cacophony of an airport. Still, the struggle is far from over. “Sometimes it’s really bad, but I know it’s not going to kill me,” he said, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of his challenges.
Through it all, Shatner attributes his longevity to an unyielding curiosity and a desire to stay engaged with life. “If you’re sick, you can’t be energetic. You’re dying,” he reflected in an interview with People, offering insight into the mindset that has kept him vibrant even as he tackles his health hurdles. “So my luck has been, I’ve been healthy all my life.”