Regardless of everything else I do in my sonically-oriented career - the gigging, the teaching and whatnot - going deaf for a year would be a great booster for my songwriting mojo.

Imagine, if you will - complete silence, free from the interference of TV, radio and mp3 player alike. No idea what the latest definition of "cool" is supposed to be. No influence, no distraction, just you and your inner soundpad. A blank canvas, pure as the Arctic snow, on which to let the imagination looser than it's ever been. A chance to reset one's creativity, to go back to basics and learn to appreciate the craft all over again.

That, and I wouldn't have to hear a single screech out of Britney Spears for twelve whole months. Excuse me while I go stuff my ears with candlewax.