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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Lara Williams

A moment that changed me: on the day of my first book deal, a mysterious hum overcame me

Lara Williams circa 2015.
Lara Williams circa 2015. Photograph: Courtesy of Lara Williams

I developed tinnitus the same night I was offered my first book deal at the end of 2014. I’d received the news late-afternoon, then went out for cocktails with two friends to celebrate. I remember the evening well: we’d gone somewhere loud but not too loud; I ordered a fluorescent orange drink that I didn’t enjoy. Before I went to bed, I spoke to my boyfriend on the phone. “This could really change your life,” he said.

Sometime in the early hours of the following morning, I woke up with a ringing in my ears that has not gone away since.

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