On a warm night in July last year, the crowd was loud, the amps were humming, and Damian Ortellado was doing what he loves most: playing a show with his band, Problem Plays.

Like so many musicians, he had grown accustomed to the wall of sound that comes with live performance. But that night, a sudden, accidental acoustic trauma changed everything.

In the days that followed, Damian noticed something wasn’t right. Music didn’t sound the same. Speech felt garbled, distorted, as if filtered through static. And then there was the tinnitus, a severe, persistent ringing in his right ear that refused to fade. Weeks passed, and the symptoms lingered.

For a musician, hearing is more than a sense; it’s identity, livelihood, connection. The thought that these changes might be permanent weighed heavily on him. Beyond the physical discomfort was the mental hurdle: Would he still be able to perform? To enjoy shows? To fully participate in Sacramento’s vibrant local music scene that had become such an important part of his life?

As his symptoms began to interfere with attending concerts and community events, someone suggested he reach out to the Audiology Clinic at Sacramento State’s Maryjane Rees Center, a community-based clinic known for providing hearing and balance services. The center serves as both a training facility for future audiologists and a vital public resource, offering comprehensive hearing evaluations and personalized care to the Sacramento community.

Damian made the call. To his surprise, he was scheduled for an appointment later that same month, completely free of charge.

From the moment he walked through the doors, he felt supported. Dr. Ariel Cassar, Au.D (Doctor of Audiology), who serves as the Audiology Clinical Education Coordinator, and her team conducted a comprehensive evaluation, carefully assessing the damage and explaining what was happening in a way that replaced fear with understanding. Their expertise reassured him. What had felt overwhelming and isolating began to feel manageable.

They didn’t just evaluate his hearing, they helped him chart a path forward.

“It’s truly an honor to be able to support patients during moments that can feel uncertain, like after an acoustic trauma,” Dr. Cassar said.

The clinic assisted Damian in getting custom ear molds, giving him the protection he needed to continue performing safely. For a musician determined not to give up the stage, this was life-changing. Instead of retreating from the music community he loved, he found a way to stay engaged, this time with a renewed respect for hearing protection.

Over time, with proper care and guidance, the majority of his symptoms began to resolve. The distortion eased. The ringing diminished. The fear that had once loomed so large gradually gave way to relief and gratitude.

“Dr. Cassar and her team gave me a comprehensive exam that assuaged many of my concerns and put me on the path to recovery,” Damian says. “They even assisted me in getting ear molds that helped me continue to do what I love. Their importance in the community as a resource for those seeking hearing services cannot be overstated, and they are also some of the nicest people you will ever meet!”

His gratitude has turned into action. At every show, Damian now provides reusable earplugs to anyone who asks, determined to help others avoid the experience he went through. He also directs donations to support the clinic’s important work, ensuring that others in Sacramento can access the same high-quality, compassionate care he received.

“As an audiologist, I see it as my responsibility to provide the knowledge, resources and open space patients need to ask questions and feel confident about their hearing and balance health,” says Dr. Cassar. “I’m grateful that my work, alongside students, allows me to play even a small part in someone’s journey back to the things that give their life meaning, whether that’s communicating with loved ones at a busy family gathering or returning to the music!”

What began as a frightening setback has become a story of resilience, community, and care. Thanks to the Maryjane Rees Center – Audiology Clinic at Sac State, Damian didn’t just regain his hearing, he regained his footing in the music scene he loves. And in doing so, he’s helping protect the sound of Sacramento, one show at a time.

Learn more about the Second Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program, offered by Sac State’s College of Continuing Education, on their program webpage.

Listen to music from Damian’s band, Problem Plays, on all platforms.