Suffering from a rare disorder, this Quebec singer undergoes an operation which gives him “a second life”

One year after having surgery for Minor’s syndrome, a neurological disorder that notably affects hearing and which was ruining his life, a 52-year-old singer has the impression of having “a second life”.

“It’s like I was 10 years younger! I have more energy, I no longer have a migraine, I no longer have fatigue,” rejoices Martin Levac, singer and musician in a tribute group to Genesis and Phil Collins.

In 2017, while he was rehearsing in his music studio, Martin Levac heard a cracking sound in his right ear. Soon he began to feel dizzy, but thinking it was a simple perforation of the eardrum, he continued his practice.

“At first it felt like there was water in my ear, but I realized after a few days that my hearing was not affected. After a few weeks, I started experiencing multiple symptoms like migraines, light sensitivity, and autophony. [entendre de façon amplifiée sa voix dans ses oreilles]“, he emphasizes.

Until 2022, the musician continues his professional activities, he continues to give shows and offer music lessons to his students, but each activity becomes an immense effort. Because of the symptoms, he has to sleep 14 hours a day, he clings to his microphone stand so as not to lose his balance during a show and he isolates himself more and more to avoid speaking.

“It took 4 and a half years before I knew what I had. All the ENTs I met before the D^r Saliba [son chirurgien] didn’t know what was happening […] I was made to do sinus rinse in industrial quantities for nothing,” he laments.

His health continues to worsen to the point where he is considering changing careers if the situation does not improve. Until the day he receives the results of a scan which shows him that he is suffering from a dehiscence of his right temporal bone, a health problem called Minor’s syndrome (see box).

It was by carrying out a search on Facebook groups that he was recommended to consult the D^r Saliba, head of the ENT department at the CHUM and head of the ENT division at the University of Montreal. After several examinations, Mr. Levac underwent surgery on November 30, 2022 and as soon as he woke up, the effects of the operation were already felt.

“It was so touching, I talk about it and I get chills. I went to see him in the recovery room, an hour after the operation, and he told me that the symptoms had already disappeared,” explains Dr.^r Saliba, from CHUM.

After more than 4 years of having problems with headaches, hearing the vibration of his voice and spending his days in the dark to avoid light, Martin no longer experiences symptoms of the disease.

“I couldn’t believe it, it’s as if I’d never had this syndrome,” he exclaims.

A little over a year after the surgery, the musician was able to resume his activities and continues to enjoy life, feeling like he has a second wind to pursue his passion and enjoy time spent with his family.

What is Minor’s syndrome?

Minor’s syndrome is a thinning or dehiscence (opening) of the part of the temporal bone that covers the semicircular canal (located above the ear). In other words, it is a thin bone located at the base of the brain that breaks following an impact or too much pressure.

No medication can treat or prevent this disease. Some people learn to live with the disease, while others undergo an operation performed by an ENT specialist. A malformation can be the cause of this disease.

The operation consists of a question mark-shaped incision in the temporal bone, above the ear. A small incision is made in the skull.

This disease is rare, the D^r Saliba, from CHUM, a leading authority in the field, reports having treated a little more than 200 cases in 18 years.

Symptoms vary from person to person, but generally include headache, sensitivity to light, speechlessness, and dizziness.