William Shatner Fights Tinnitus from Star Trek Mishap, Champions Cure at 94

William Shatner, the iconic Star Trek captain, is boldly going where many have gone before—battling tinnitus, a relentless ringing in the ears, for over 30 years. The 94-year-old revealed in a promotional video for Tinnitus Quest that his condition began during a Star Trek episode, 'Arena,' when he stood too close to a special effects explosion. The result? A permanent, uninvited hum that’s been his constant companion since the 1990s.

Tinnitus, as the Mayo Clinic explains, affects 15-20% of people, particularly older adults, filling their ears with phantom sounds like ringing or buzzing. For Shatner, it’s been a rollercoaster of 'ups and downs,' a challenge with no effective treatments yet. But he’s not sitting still. The ever-energetic actor is channeling his star power into raising funds for a cure, proving he’s still fighting at warp speed.

Shatner’s vitality at 94 is no small feat. He credits his zest for life to staying curious and, frankly, a hefty dose of luck. 'Your life’s energy, the soul energy of your body, is a product of health,' he shared in a recent interview. Despite tinnitus, he’s dodged debilitating setbacks, keeping his life force strong. From commanding the Enterprise to championing health causes, Shatner’s mission remains clear: live long, prosper, and never stop exploring.