Geeze, sorry to hear his story... but yeah it's the absolute curse for anyone dedicating their lives to music. But I'd say it's worse in some respects than being say, a deaf musician or a blind artist.

Those with severe tinnitus, they can still hear, but it's like a pneumatic drill following you around 24/7, but inside your head, while you're expected to be a composer or a performer?

I've imagined it for more hours than I can count in fear so I'm real careful these days. Quality of life over everything, no compromise