William Shatner, 94, Reveals Decades-Long Tinnitus From Star Trek Mishap

William Shatner, the 94-year-old actor famous for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek, has openly discussed his long battle with tinnitus, a persistent ringing in the ears caused by an on-set explosion during the filming of a Star Trek episode in the 1990s. Despite the permanent hearing damage and challenges the condition has brought, Shatner has remained active and uses his experience to raise awareness and funds for tinnitus research through the nonprofit Tinnitus Quest. He described tinnitus as a difficult and often debilitating condition with no effective treatments, affecting about 1 to 2 percent of the population with a chronic form. Shatner's openness about his condition highlights the struggles many face living with tinnitus, including military veterans and others with hearing loss, while emphasizing resilience and the importance of support and coping strategies. His message encourages those suffering from tinnitus to keep hope alive for future treatments and to engage actively in life despite health challenges. Shatner continues to inspire with his enduring energy, charisma, and advocacy for those affected by hearing conditions.