Latest news with #tinnitus
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Nurse awarded £88,000 after being hit by falling chisel
A nurse who was hit on the head by a chisel which fell 30ft (9m) from the roof of a house has been awarded £88,000 in McFadyen was "suddenly and without warning" struck on the head by the tool at her brother's home in Linwood, Renfrewshire, in October for Renfrewshire Council admitted liability for the incident, which was caused by its employees who were working on the roof at the time of the McFadyen was awarded a total of £88,693 after the Court of Session agreed the incident had left her with debilitating injuries. The court heard how Ms Fadyen had bent down to wipe dirt off her trainers when the implement, which was 2.5ft (76.2cm) long and weighed about 4kg (8.8lbs), smashed off the right side of her was taken to hospital for treatment and in the weeks following the incident she experienced poor sleep and also suffered from confusion as well as "putting things in the wrong place and unable to speak the words that she wanted to say."She had pain in her right ear, tingling and numbness on the right side of her face. After going back to hospital, medics found she had sustained a small fracture to the right side of her court heard how, almost four years after the incident, Ms McFadyen still experiences persistent headaches approximately four times per also suffers from constant, severe, tinnitus in her right court heard that Ms McFadyen said her tinnitus is a "loud, persistent fuzzy noise" which has had a "profound impact on her life." Constantly tired and irritable In his judgement, Judge Lord Braid wrote that she has difficulty sleeping and is unwilling to take sleeping tablets due to her job. The court heard that she is now "constantly tired and irritable."He noted that she had gone from being "happy-go-lucky" to suffering from panic attacks and anxiety, becoming someone "who gets very uptight and who flies off the handle at her husband and children at the least thing". The court heard that she has also been unable to go back to working in her former position and she is now working on an elective orthopaedic for Renfrewshire Council admitted liability for the incident. They accepted that the accident was caused by council employees who had been working on the roof at the time of the Braid concluded that Ms McFadyen's concentration and memory have been affected, reducing her ability to work. He wrote that she is now fatigued and the injury has interfered with her social life and leisure activities.
CBS News
12-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
New device helps patients cope with tinnitus, Pennsylvania audiologist says
A growing number of patients are turning to a new treatment for a condition that causes ringing in the ears. The device tricks the brain with a tickle to the tongue. Silence really is golden for Clara Flores. Her days used to be filled with the constant buzzing and ringing that comes with tinnitus, which affects 25 million Americans. "This ringing that you hate and can't stand ... you cannot turn it off," Flores said. "You get depressed, you get angry. Your relationships suffer." But the maddening noise is not a hearing problem, according to Bala Cynwyd audiologist Gail Brenner. "Tinnitus is a sound that we perceive in our ears or head that's internally generated by the brain," Brenner said. And now, for the first time, she says there's finally a treatment that works for most patients Lenire is an FDA-approved device that works with headphones and a tongue stimulator. The electrical pulses from the device "feel like bubbly Champagne," she said. "It's just a tiny little tingle, and that's all we need for the signal to transmit to the brain." Lenire costs $4,000 and isn't covered by insurance. It worked for Flores, who listened to the soothing sounds with the mouthpiece for 12 weeks — twice a day for half an hour. "It did magic to my brain," Flores said. The maker of Lenire says it works by retraining the brain not to hear the sounds from tinnitus that can be caused by loud noise, hearing loss and infections. "We're teaching the brain to not pay attention to the tinnitus," Brenner said. "It has been a game-changer." Flores thinks her tinnitus was caused by an infection, but she doesn't notice the buzzing anymore. "It doesn't bother me. I forget about it," Flores said. Her brain is refocused and noise-free now, giving her a new lease on life. Research on the Lenire device showed that about 80% of the people who tested it had significant improvements.
CNA
10-05-2025
- Health
- CNA
What can you do about tinnitus? How to manage that persistent ringing in your ears when a cure isn't possible
Tinnitus is the experience of hearing phantom noises, typically in the form of ringing, buzzing or roaring sounds. It is a common and usually harmless condition. According to a 2024 ana lysi s, about 11 per cent of American adults experience tinnitus, and 41 per cent of them hear noises constantly rather than intermittently. But can you make it go away? It's rare for tinnitus to be cured, but a person's prognosis depends on what is causing the symptoms. Even if it's not curable, 'there are a lot of good ways to manage it,' said Dr Mohamed Elrakhawy, an ear, nose and throat (or ENT) doctor at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. CAUSES OF TINNITUS Tinnitus can have a variety of causes, said Dr Zachary Schwam, an ENT at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Sometimes, he said, it can be a result of tumours, nerve problems, asymmetries in veins, holes in or fluid behind the eardrums, earwax or damage to the bones behind the eardrums. In these cases, it's typical for tinnitus to occur in only one ear, and it can sometimes resemble the sound of a heartbeat. If your tinnitus presents this way, it's important to get it checked out by a doctor, Dr Schwam said. But most of the time, tinnitus is a harmless byproduct of hearing loss, said Dr Kenny F Lin, an ENT at Houston Methodist Hospital. 'The hair cells of the cochlear nerve endings are damaged and send an altered signal to the brain, which is perceived as a ringing, humming, buzzing or static sound,' he said. People who are regularly exposed to loud noises are also more likely to develop tinnitus, Dr Schwam said. 'Enjoy your concerts, enjoy your work, but just make sure you're using the proper ear protection,' he said. Often, tinnitus is a minor annoyance that becomes less bothersome over time. But in some cases, it can become debilitating, interfering with the ability to work and sleep, Dr Elrakhawy said. Tinnitus has been linked with anxiety, depression and, in rare cases, even suicide. Stress, anxiety and lack of sleep can make tinnitus worse, Dr Schwam said. 'I often tell people that those things are not necessarily causing your tinnitus, but they're certainly not helping,' he said. TREATMENT DEPENDS ON THE CAUSE To determine the cause of tinnitus, a doctor will ask about a person's clinical history and perform a physical exam. 'If it's only one ear or in both ears, if it's all the time or comes and goes, if there are certain triggers or situations that make it worse – those all really do help focus on what the next step would be,' Dr Elrakhawy said. A doctor is likely to suggest a hearing test and may also request other types of tests, including MRI or CT scans. If tinnitus is caused by a bone, nerve or circulatory issue, then treating the underlying problem may cure it, Dr Schwam said. But if hearing loss is the cause, then treatments can improve symptoms but may not eliminate them, he said. Typically, tinnitus treatments for people with hearing loss are aimed at reducing the impact on their daily lives, particularly on sleep and their ability to work, Dr Lin said. One popular approach, he said, involves listening to masking sounds such as white noise, ocean or rain sounds, music and the sounds of fans or humidifiers, which can make tinnitus less noticeable. 'As long as the brain is able to hear outside sounds, it is less likely to hear the inside sounds,' he said. A hearing aid may also help if a person's hearing loss is significant enough to warrant one. 'Hearing aids amplify sounds that you no longer hear well, so it is essentially a masking device that you wear throughout the day,' Dr Lin said. Some hearing aids even have special tinnitus masking settings that may feed certain frequencies into the ear to optimise masking. Counseling and other forms of therapy can help, too. 'We often meet patients that suffer terribly from tinnitus and the negative impact on mood, including anxiety and depression,' said Dr C Matthew Stewart, an ENT at Johns Hopkins Medicine. But when physicians explain what's going on and assure patients that their tinnitus isn't dangerous, it can help them cope better, Dr Schwam said. Some patients benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy, a form of psychotherapy that can help people better manage their symptoms, or from tinnitus retraining therapy, which involves counselling along with sound therapy. BE WARY OF MIRACLE CURES If you're experiencing tinnitus, talk to your primary care provider or ask for a referral to an ENT or audiologist who treats tinnitus, Dr Elrakhawy said. Although there are many over-the-counter supplements and eardrops marketed as tinnitus treatments, he doesn't know of any that are shown to work. Some of Dr Schwam's patients have brought over-the-counter eardrops containing heavy metals to their appointments, asking if they might help. 'I take a look at the drops, and they have ingredients that I would never put in a human body,' he said.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Quietum Plus Review 2025: Side Effects & User Experiences Investigated
CHICAGO, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With so many ear health supplements flooding the market, it's completely natural to feel curious—and maybe even a little skeptical—about which ones are worth your attention. If you've heard of Quietum Plus, you've probably come across claims that it's a safe, natural, and effective formula designed to support ear health without relying on harsh chemicals or synthetic ingredients. It's gaining traction for promising real benefits while being gentle on the body. And while it's promoted as a natural and trustworthy option, it makes sense that people want to learn more, especially if they're considering making it part of their daily wellness supplements are playing an increasingly central role in modern health habits. From daily multivitamins to plant-based remedies, people are turning to supplements to bridge nutritional gaps, target specific health concerns, and improve their overall well-being. The challenge, however, lies in separating the genuinely effective options from the rest. [Must Read: Medical Experts Unveil Critical Report on Quietum Plus Tinnitus Formula ] That's why it's important to go beyond the buzz and take a close look at whether Quietum Plus really delivers on its promises. This review gives a clear, comprehensive overview of the formula so you can decide whether it's a worthwhile investment for your health. Why Quietum Plus Is Relevant Today Hearing health has become a growing concern for many, especially with the increasing number of people experiencing tinnitus, age-related hearing decline, and noise-related hearing damage. Constant exposure to loud environments and stress are just a couple of the factors that have made ear support supplements more relevant than ever. Quietum Plus steps in as a natural, non-invasive option for people looking to support or maintain their hearing, particularly when conventional medical solutions are limited or don't fully address the problem. While it's not marketed as a cure, Quietum Plus aims to relieve ear-related issues without side effects, offering support in a way that fits with today's fast-paced and health-conscious lifestyle. >>Is Quietum Plus the natural solution for tinnitus relief? See what users are saying—Read the full story here. Key Factors to Consider Before Trying Quietum Plus Just because a product is labeled 'natural' or 'herbal' doesn't automatically mean it's safe or effective. Before deciding whether Quietum Plus is the right fit for you, it's important to take a thoughtful look at a few key factors to ensure it's safe and aligns with your health goals. Nutritional Compatibility Check that the supplement meets your specific nutritional needs and includes ingredients that contribute essential vitamins or minerals relevant to ear and overall health. Ingredient Transparency Take time to review the full ingredient list. Look out for any allergens or ingredients you may be sensitive to. Also, pay attention to the dosages—knowing how much of each component is included can help determine how effective the formula might be. Manufacturing Quality Look into how the product is made. Quietum Plus should be manufactured in a facility that is FDA-approved and follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), which ensures cleanliness, consistency, and quality control. Clear Labeling A trustworthy supplement will have transparent labeling. Make sure all ingredients and dosage details are listed on the bottle or packaging—vague or missing information can be a red flag. Safety and Side Effects Double-check that the formula is free from harmful chemicals, stimulants, GMOs, and unnecessary additives. Even natural products should be examined for any reported side effects or known issues. Affordability Since supplements often require long-term use to see real results, choose a product that fits within your budget. It should be something you can continue using consistently without financial strain. Real User Feedback Customer reviews can be a goldmine of insight. Hearing directly from others who have tried Quietum Plus can help you gauge its effectiveness and spot any potential problems. Look for honest feedback that goes beyond surface-level marketing. >>Curious about how Quietum Plus supports hearing health over time? See what others have experienced via the official website. Unpacking the Causes of Tinnitus Tinnitus is the perception of sounds like ringing, hissing, or buzzing in the ears when no external sound is present. While it's not a disease itself, it often signals an underlying health issue. Understanding what triggers tinnitus is key to finding the right approach for diagnosis and treatment. Although the causes can differ from person to person, some common culprits are listed below: Hearing Loss One of the leading causes of tinnitus is hearing loss, especially age-related. When the ears receive less sound input, the brain may begin compensating by producing phantom noises, which manifest as ringing, buzzing, or hissing. Exposure to Loud Noise Consistent exposure to loud environments, whether from work, music, or machinery, can damage the sensitive cells in the inner ear. Once these cells are impaired, they may misfire, resulting in the persistent noise commonly associated with tinnitus. Ear Infections Build-up of wax, fluid, or other materials from infections can alter ear pressure and irritate the auditory system. This disruption may trigger or worsen tinnitus symptoms. Head or Neck Injuries Injuries to the head or neck can affect nerves related to hearing, disrupting how sound is processed by the brain and potentially leading to tinnitus. Why Quietum Plus Is Gaining Attention in 2025 The increasing need for a safe, natural solution to ear-related concerns has helped Quietum Plus stand out in a crowded supplement market. More people today are cautious of quick-fix promises and are looking for products that offer meaningful, long-term support without harsh side effects. That's where Quietum Plus earns credibility. It focuses on addressing the root causes of hearing issues like tinnitus and hearing loss, making it a well-aligned option for people seeking more natural, lasting relief in 2025. What Is Quietum Plus & Is It Safe? Quietum Plus is a 100% natural ear health supplement formulated using a blend of plant extracts, vitamins, and other potent ingredients. Its main goal is to combat the root causes of tinnitus, such as inflammation, infections, and nerve damage, all while supporting clear and healthy hearing. This formula is suitable for adults over the age of 18. It's produced in an FDA-registered facility following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), ensuring high standards of safety, cleanliness, and quality. Every ingredient is tested for purity, making it a trustworthy option for those cautious about what they put into their bodies. The Importance of Ingredient Transparency Understanding the ingredients in any supplement is essential—not only to know what you're consuming, but also to determine how those components work within your body. Unfortunately, many brands don't disclose their full ingredient lists, sometimes hiding behind vague 'proprietary blends.' Quietum Plus, however, takes a transparent approach. The complete list of ingredients is available both on the product label and the official website, giving users clear insight into what they're taking. Let's take a closer look at the key components and their benefits: Mucuna Pruriens & Maca Root Mucuna Pruriens helps reduce tinnitus by supporting the auditory nerves and improving hearing clarity. It also has strong antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. Alongside Maca Root, these ingredients work to repair nerve damage and calm the nervous system. Epimedium & Tribulus Terrestris These ingredients help regulate inflammation in the nervous system. They are also known for their antioxidant properties and can support better blood flow to the ears, both vital for ear function and hearing health. Dong Quai Often called a super tonic for ears, Dong Quai boosts blood circulation and supports healthy brain function, which can, in turn, sharpen hearing and help relieve tinnitus. Muira Puama & Ginger Both are rich in antioxidants, known for protecting the auditory system from oxidative stress. They also support nerve repair and promote circulation, key for reducing tinnitus symptoms. Catuaba Powder & Damiana These herbs promote better blood flow and offer neuroprotective effects. They may also support aging brain health and reduce tinnitus severity. Ashwagandha & Piperine Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen that helps reduce stress and promote mental clarity, while piperine enhances the absorption of nutrients. Together, they improve mood, focus, and overall ear health. How Does Quietum Plus Work for Tinnitus? To understand how Quietum Plus helps with tinnitus, it's important to look at how the supplement targets the underlying cause of the issue. Tinnitus is often linked to damage in the auditory pathway—a kind of 'wire' that transmits sound and electrical signals from your ears to your brain. When this pathway is impaired, it can result in phantom sounds commonly associated with tinnitus, such as ringing or buzzing. Quietum Plus is designed to nourish and support the repair of this auditory pathway. It provides key nutrients and natural compounds that help regenerate and strengthen the 'wire,' restoring balance and improving signal transmission between the ears and the brain. In addition to supporting this vital pathway, the ingredients in Quietum Plus work to improve blood circulation and protect delicate ear cells from further damage. Together, these actions promote better hearing, aid in the reduction of tinnitus symptoms, and support overall ear health. Quietum Plus addresses this by delivering essential nutrients that help nourish, repair, and regenerate the sound-transmitting connection. The result is a restoration of harmony within the auditory system and a noticeable improvement in how sounds are processed. In addition to nerve repair, Quietum Plus also boosts blood circulation and defends against cell damage. This comprehensive approach helps restore hearing clarity, protect against further auditory decline, and alleviate the constant ringing and buzzing many people struggle with. Health Benefits You Can Expect from Quietum Plus Quietum Plus is formulated with a blend of natural ingredients aimed not only at supporting ear health but also at enhancing overall well-being. Below are the key health benefits users may notice with consistent use: 1. Supports Ear Health Quietum Plus is designed to naturally improve hearing by increasing blood circulation to the ears, reducing inflammation, and alleviating symptoms of tinnitus. It may also help address ear infections and enhance sound processing, which contributes to clearer and sharper hearing. 2. Enhances Mood and Reduces Stress This supplement includes natural mood-boosting ingredients that help ease stress and anxiety. It promotes relaxation and supports a more balanced emotional state. Users have also reported better sleep quality and a noticeable reduction in restlessness or depressive feelings. 3. Boosts Brain Function Many of the ingredients in Quietum Plus offer neuroprotective benefits. They support mental clarity and alertness, help protect brain cells from damage, and promote healthy neural communication, especially important for processing sounds efficiently and clearly. 4. Increases Energy and Vitality Quietum Plus contains herbal ingredients known to enhance energy levels. It supports physical endurance and reduces fatigue, helping you feel more energized and able to tackle daily tasks without feeling worn out. >>Ready to take a more natural approach to ear care? Explore what Quietum Plus can offer on the official website. How to Use Quietum Plus in Your Daily Routine Taking Quietum Plus is simple. The supplement comes in capsule form, and the recommended dosage is two capsules per day, taken with a full glass of water. You can take it at any time of day that fits best into your schedule. It's important to follow the recommended dosage and avoid taking more than directed, as exceeding the daily limit could increase the risk of unwanted side effects. Consistent, daily use is key to achieving the best results. Does Quietum Plus Cause Side Effects? What You Need to Know Quietum Plus is carefully crafted using high-quality, natural ingredients, with a focus on safety and compatibility with the body's natural systems. This makes the supplement well-tolerated by most users. That said, some individuals may experience mild, temporary side effects during the first few days of use. These can include: Nausea Dizziness Mild headaches These symptoms are typically short-lived and often signal that your body is adjusting to the new supplement. Most users report that these effects fade within a few days as their system adapts. To minimize any potential side effects, it's crucial to follow the usage instructions exactly. If any symptoms persist or worsen, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional. Quietum Plus is generally safe for most people when used as directed. The occasional mild side effect is usually temporary, and consistent use can lead to noticeable improvements in hearing, mood, energy, and overall wellness. Real User Experiences with Quietum Plus Beyond marketing claims and promotional promises, real user experiences offer the clearest picture of a supplement's true effectiveness, and Quietum Plus appears to have left a strong impression on many. Thousands of users have tried the supplement, and a significant number have reported noticeable relief from tinnitus symptoms. Many shared that the persistent ringing or buzzing in their ears either significantly reduced or disappeared completely. Others mentioned improvements in their ability to tolerate noisy environments, as well as relief from ear discomfort caused by infections. While a few individuals experienced mild side effects, such as slight nausea or headaches in the early days, most reported that these effects were temporary and faded quickly. Overall, the majority of users seemed satisfied with the results. User Testimonials: What People Are Saying Here are a few genuine testimonials from verified customers who have used Quietum Plus: Jaden, 33 – Los Angeles "I've had a ringing in my ears for years. After trying Quietum Plus, I noticed a real change in just a couple of weeks. I did feel slightly nauseous initially, but that went away. For me, this supplement has been worth it." Mike, 46 – San Francisco "The constant buzzing sound I used to hear has finally quieted down. I'm also sleeping much better. I had a slight headache the first few days, but once I adjusted, it completely went away." Helen, 35 – New York "I was skeptical at first, but I gave it a try. While my tinnitus hasn't vanished completely, the intensity has gone down a lot. That alone has made a big difference." Where to Buy Quietum Plus Quietum Plus is only available through its official website. Any listings found on third-party platforms or online marketplaces are unauthorized and may contain counterfeit or potentially harmful ingredients. Purchasing through the official website ensures: Access to authentic products Discounted bundle pricing Free shipping (within the U.S.) A 60-day money-back guarantee Reliable customer support Quietum Plus Pricing and Offers When it comes to ear health supplements, quality and safety should never be compromised for cost. While cheaper alternatives exist, Quietum Plus offers fair pricing for a formula backed by natural ingredients and quality standards. Current pricing and bundle deals include: 1 Bottle (30-Day Supply): $69 + Free Shipping 3 Bottles (90-Day Supply): $59 per bottle + Free Shipping + 2 Free eBooks 6 Bottles (180-Day Supply): $49 per bottle + Free Shipping + 2 Free eBooks Is There a Money-Back Guarantee for Quietum Plus? Yes. Every purchase of Quietum Plus is backed by a 60-day risk-free money-back guarantee. This means users can try the supplement and assess how well it works for them. If they're not satisfied with the results within this period, they can request a full refund—no questions asked. The refund process is simple and can be initiated by reaching out to the support team via the email address listed on the official website. Are Any Bonuses Offered with Quietum Plus? Yes. Select Quietum Plus packages come with free digital bonuses, adding extra value to your purchase. These bonuses are designed to complement the supplement's benefits and promote overall wellness:Bonus #1: This eBook shares three simple yoga poses that may help enhance hearing naturally. It also includes tips for preventing cochlear damage and managing ear infections. Bonus #2: A guide packed with proven strategies to help you fall asleep faster, reduce snoring, and improve overall sleep quality for better rest and recovery. How to Order Quietum Plus from the Official Website Ordering Quietum Plus is straightforward. Follow these steps: Visit the official Quietum Plus website. Click the 'Order Now' button. Fill in your shipping and payment details. Confirm your purchase and wait for your delivery. Ordering directly from the official website ensures product authenticity, access to bonuses, and eligibility for the refund guarantee. >>Want to Know More About Quietum Plus? Click Here for Details Directly From the Official Website Why Quietum Plus Stands Out from Other Supplements Several key features make Quietum Plus different from typical tinnitus supplements: ✔ Natural & Clinically Supported Ingredients Quietum Plus uses high-quality plant-based ingredients that have passed safety and purity checks. It avoids shortcuts like proprietary blends or chemical fillers found in many other supplements. ✔ Superior Safety Standards The formula is free from GMOs, stimulants, and synthetic additives. It's manufactured in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility to ensure consistency and quality. ✔ Long-Term Results, Not Quick Fixes Unlike some supplements that offer temporary relief, Quietum Plus is designed to support long-lasting hearing wellness with minimal side effects. ✔ Only Sold via the Official Website By limiting sales to the official site, the brand reduces the risk of counterfeit products and ensures customers receive genuine, safe formulations. >>Click Here to Order Quietum Plus Directly From the Official Website Final Verdict: Is Quietum Plus Worth It? In conclusion, Quietum Plus presents itself as a safe, natural, and reliable supplement for individuals seeking relief from tinnitus and support for better ear health. With its carefully chosen ingredients and strict adherence to quality manufacturing practices, it offers a well-rounded solution that targets the root causes of hearing discomfort. The formula works within the body to reduce inflammation, enhance blood circulation, and restore auditory balance, helping users experience clearer hearing and reduced ear-related disturbances. It checks all the critical boxes for safety, efficacy, and long-term support. While generally well-tolerated, some users may notice mild symptoms like nausea, headaches, or dizziness in the initial days, which typically subside as the body adapts. Following the recommended dosage is key to minimizing these effects and ensuring optimal results. To summarize, the side effects of Quietum Plus are minimal and manageable for most users. Backed by a risk-free money-back guarantee and made with a transparent, natural formula, Quietum Plus stands out as one of the most promising supplements currently available for tinnitus support and overall auditory wellness. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can I take Quietum Plus with other supplements or medications? If you're currently on prescription medication, it's best to consult a healthcare provider before combining it with Quietum Plus. Q: Is this supplement safe for children? No. Quietum Plus is formulated for adults only and is not recommended for anyone under 18. Q: Do all orders qualify for free shipping? Yes, U.S. orders come with free shipping. International orders may include a small handling fee. Q: Is it a one-time purchase or a subscription? It's a one-time purchase. There are no hidden fees or recurring charges. Q: Is it available in powder form? No. Quantum Plus comes in easy-to-swallow capsules for convenience and precise dosing. Email: contact@ Disclaimer: The statements made about Quietum Plus have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Individual results may vary. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, including Quietum Plus. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. This page may contain affiliate links, meaning we may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Speak with your healthcare professional before adding Quietum Plus or any hearing support supplement to your routine. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Telegraph
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
I went to see the future of football and all the fans were on their phones
On New Year's Day 2009 I woke up with a ringing in my ears which has stayed there ever since. Too many teenage nights at the Brixton Academy, London Astoria and Kentish Town Forum. Too much drumming in doomed attempts to reach those venues myself (full battle of the bands record: P:3 L:3). Too much DJing with recklessly loud headphones fighting over recklessly loud booth monitors. That's what did it on 31 December 2008. I flew too close to the sun in my pursuit of a crowd-pleasing mix of post-punk, electropop and US Indie; a lifetime of tinnitus was the punishment. So every subsequent large public event holds the question: is it worth it? Should I experience it at full volume and accept further hearing damage or put up with vibe-killing earplugs? Baller League at the Copper Box Arena on Monday was not a night to take any risks. This is the new six-a-side football tournament with teams of influencers and little-known ex-pros. Celebrity managers include Ian Wright, Gary Lineker, the rapper Dave, Luis Figo and Chloe Kelly. My earplugs are in my pocket, ready for an onslaught of chart house played at jumbo-jet decibel levels. They remain in my pocket. In fact it is the quietest sporting event I have attended since watching archery at the Olympics. The crowd is clean people in muted colours dotted with classy overseas football shirts. Teenagers in the queue, some with hickeys, compare trainers. Inside a family are delighted with their selfie with Angryginge, a Twitch streamer and YouTuber who manages title-challenging Yanited. Some primary school kids are disappointed that league president KSI is not in the building. There is an inescapable, acrid smell of cinema-grade nachos. On YouTube, the Baller League's numbers are already in the range of now-ancient success stories like Hashtag United, although some way short of the phenomenally popular Sidemen collective. Miniminter, AKA Simon Minter, is a member and regularly receives millions of views on his own. The Baller League's most popular video at the time of writing has 285,000 views. Of course Minter is here tonight in his capacity as manager of M7FC and posts plenty of Baller League videos on his own enormous channel. Such cross-promotion is a failsafe route to eyeballs. M7 face the 26ers in the night's first match which pits Minter against 26ers manager John Terry. He emerges onto the astroturf wearing a tight smile that suggests he had expected to be leading a better-supported team out on a grander stage at this point in his managerial career. The Copper Box's capacity is around 6,000 and the Baller League TikTok claims it is sold out but every row in the arena has at least one empty seat. The standard is like the top division of a particularly strong Power League. Passing, shooting and control is frequently ropey, well short of National League level. A lot of players behave like the most talented boy in the park who looks unstoppable until a team figures out how to pass around him. There is flashy footwork galore, regardless of pitch position or need. It is like watching the early months of Cristiano Ronaldo at Man Utd, a lot of humiliated defenders but little end-product. Goals and tricks are greeted with the same noise: more a leery 'phwoar' than the orgasmic release of traditional football. It is as much about the manager's reactions as the on-pitch fare. Three blokes in high-vis vests snap away at Miniminter and Terry with smartphones as they remonstrate with celebrity ref Mark Clattenburg. Emmanuel Rowe scores for the 26ers with the first moment of quality, poses towards the VIP seats then 'shushes' the camera. The great innovation is the 'game-changer' a rule selected, ostensibly at random – although every team seems well-prepared – and applied for the final two minutes of each half. These range from every foul leading to a red card to long-range shots counting double. All of this is watched with detached half-interest. Most eyes are on the pitch for kick-off and the opening minutes but by the end of each half you can see an arena gradually becoming distracted by their lovely phones. The usual rabble-rousing failsafes die. A T-shirt cannon lacks the oomph to reach the second tier, big-screen exhortations to 'Make Some Noise' are ignored. I am at the concessions stand buying a £2.50 can of water when the next game kicks off. When the pre-match music cuts it sounds like the crowd is observing a minute's silence for some tragic fallen streamer who has gone to Twitch heaven. Not so, just a duff game between Trebol and N5. The vibe is understated authenticity Mentioning the quietness is not to be (more) sniffy but to emphasise something which I think is important in understanding the future of sport. We have moved past the era of fireworks and building every event up with Michael Buffer impersonators; the vibe now is understated authenticity. Baller League is expertly pitched in that savvy YouTube middle-ground, neither too self-effacing nor self-aggrandising. The ad hoardings around the pitch say 'a new era for football,' which requires everyone involved to believe they are telling the truth. If enough influencers with enough combined subscribers say it too then the veracity is irrelevant. The night picks up significantly for SDS vs Yanited, a far higher standard of game between two teams who have figured out how to play the format properly. At 0-0 there is an amazing save at one end, a tight turn and neat finish at the other to open the scoring. It feels proper. Then a few minutes later breakout star PK Humble does his trademark celebration dance while in possession of the ball and the spell is broken. Then a heavy challenge on the sideline leads to a bench-clearing scrap. Every player is involved, along with various entourages emerging from all corners of the arena. Three players are sent off and although the ugly incident shames the fine name of Yanited FC (established 2025, it says on their emblem) you cannot deny it makes for great YouTube. It is 2-2 in the end but content is the real winner. By the time Tammy Abraham's brother Timmy scores for MVPS United in the night's final game the crowd has dropped to Covid levels. No problem, the goal is being shown hourly on Sky Sports News the following morning. Baller League gets a lot right. There is a manager-challenge system for video reviews with checks that are quick and largely scornful. The tickets are wonderfully cheap, at £17.95 for six hours and seven games. We must salute what is new too. Streamers unknown to me are walking around concourses to the obvious and heart-warming delight of kids. All the interactions I see are friendly and unpretentious. This is such a positive change: accessible heroes who won't tell you to eff off for asking for an autograph. The format boosts the parts of football that these young people seem to enjoy most, individual battles and getting past opponents, 'tekkers', and celebrations like Fortnite emotes. All the same stuff loved by JS Lowry. There is though the dispiriting sense that all of this is saleable regardless of quality. Clearly, the level of players is average at best but with so many recognisable – to its intended audience at least – names, that hardly matters. Package it up in algorithmically-pleasing style, pump it out across as many platforms as possible, make it an inescapable part of the landscape, then profit. You cannot write it off. But if this is the future it is off to a quiet start.
