I am posting his for my friend Tony Garcia, trombonist and Director of the Jazz Studies at VCU. Tony also does the interviews for the ITA Journal of jazz trombonists, and has several excellent jazz methods, including play-along tracks. Here is Tony's question:

"I'd like to hear from trombonists who have had tubes placed in their ears (typically to alleviate congestion from air pressure) and any related sonic side-effects that then occurred, affecting their trombone-playing. I had an interesting journey myself and would like to share experiences in an article, perhaps for the ITA Journal.

If you have a perspective to share, please e-mail me. And feel free to share this e-mail with your colleagues and/or students regarding their potential input.

<EMAIL email="ajgarcia@vcu.edu">ajgarcia@vcu.edu</EMAIL>

Many thanks for your consideration,

Tony

==

Antonio J. García (<http://www.garciamusic.com>)

Director of Jazz Studies (<http://www.jazz.vcu.edu>)

Virginia Commonwealth University (<http://www.vcu.edu>)"

do you mean one that punctured the ear drum? It happened to me and I was advised not to play for about nine months.

I've had an intermittently blocked eustachian tube for a while, and have had an examination prior to a possible treatment. As I understand it, this would entail having the eardrum cut and a stent inserted to relieve the pressure. The eardrum is supposed to grow back after a month or so, which I find hard to believe, and I also have misgivings about this procedure because of possible long term side effects.

The musical effect of the blockage is twofold, a partial drop in hearing, which happens so slowly that it's unnoticeable until it clears, or having good hearing but getting a short buzz/rattle when playing loudly above a high C.

I'm not sure what details are involved. I believe the surgical tubes are to relieve problems with the eustachian tubes in your ears. Please write to Tony at <EMAIL email="ajgarcia@vcu.edu">ajgarcia@vcu.edu</EMAIL> for details.