Hearing is essential to musicians, making hearing loss a particularly challenging obstacle in their careers. Despite this, many musicians have thrived, continuing to make extraordinary music even after their hearing abilities diminished. Here are 15 musicians who battled hearing loss and still left their mark on the world of music.
1. Ludwig van Beethoven
Perhaps the most famous example, Beethoven began to lose his hearing in his late 20s. Despite becoming almost completely deaf by his mid-40s, he composed some of his most well-known works, including the Ninth Symphony. His ability to “hear” music in his mind allowed him to continue composing.
2. Eric Clapton
Legendary guitarist Eric Clapton has openly discussed his struggle with tinnitus, a condition that causes persistent ringing in the ears. Clapton attributes his hearing loss to years of exposure to loud music, but he continues to perform, relying on his extraordinary musical instinct.
3. Phil Collins
Phil Collins, known for his work with Genesis and as a solo artist, has dealt with significant hearing issues over the years. He suffers from hearing loss in his left ear, which nearly ended his career. However, Collins has continued to record and perform.
4. Brian Wilson
The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson is partially deaf in one ear, which occurred after his father hit him as a child. Despite this, Wilson became one of the most influential music producers of all time, helping to shape the sound of the 1960s with his innovative approach to recording.
5. Pete Townshend
The Who’s guitarist, Pete Townshend, is another artist affected by hearing loss and tinnitus due to prolonged exposure to loud music. Townshend has become a vocal advocate for hearing protection, encouraging young musicians to safeguard their ears.
6. Will.i.am
The Black Eyed Peas member Will.i.am has revealed that he suffers from tinnitus. He describes the condition as a persistent ringing in his ears, which has made him more cautious about his long-term hearing health.
7. Chris Martin
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has battled tinnitus for years, which he attributes to performing at high volume levels without ear protection early in his career. Martin now uses earplugs while performing and advises others to protect their hearing.
8. Ozzy Osbourne
Heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne has experienced hearing loss due to years of performing in loud environments. While he has acknowledged his diminished hearing, Osbourne has continued to tour and record.
9. Jeff Beck
Renowned guitarist Jeff Beck developed tinnitus from years of exposure to loud amplifiers during performances. Despite this, Beck has maintained a successful career, known for his technical skill and innovative guitar playing.
10. Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand has suffered from tinnitus since childhood. She has spoken about the condition’s impact on her life, but it hasn’t deterred her from a remarkable career spanning over six decades in music and film.
11. Huey Lewis
Huey Lewis, of Huey Lewis and the News, was forced to stop touring in 2018 due to Ménière’s disease, an inner ear disorder that affects hearing and balance. Despite the setback, Lewis continues to work on new music and remains hopeful for recovery.
12. Neil Young
Neil Young has experienced tinnitus, which he attributes to recording sessions with loud instruments. Young has had to manage his hearing carefully, but he continues to write, record, and perform music that resonates with fans worldwide.
13. Bono
U2’s lead singer, Bono, has been living with tinnitus for many years. He has spoken openly about the importance of ear protection, having experienced persistent ringing in his ears from years of performing at loud concerts.
14. Grimes
Canadian singer Grimes has had to take breaks from music due to tinnitus. The condition has forced her to rethink her approach to creating music, leading her to explore less traditional methods of recording and performing.
15. Evelyn Glennie
A world-renowned percussionist, Evelyn Glennie lost almost all of her hearing by the age of 12. She learned to “hear” music through vibrations, feeling the sound in her body rather than hearing it through her ears. Glennie’s exceptional talent and determination have made her a pioneer in the classical music world.
These 15 musicians faced the challenge of hearing loss but refused to let it define or end their careers. Through adaptations, perseverance, and an unwavering love for music, they continued to inspire and innovate in the industry, proving that even in silence, creativity can thrive.
