Many celebrities live with hearing loss, but musicians are especially likely to experience hearing loss and tinnitus. Musicians are commonly exposed to dangerous noise levels, which can lead to hearing loss over time. If you are a musician, we highly encourage using hearing protection to protect your hearing.
Did you know that the following famous musicians have hearing loss?
Neil Young
One of the most well-known and influential rock stars, Neil Young, has suffered from tinnitus for decades. In the early 1990’s, he discontinued recording music for several years due to his tinnitus.
Phil Collins
Phil Collins temporarily retired in 2011, citing health conditions that included significant hearing loss in his left ear. Despite his hearing difficulties, he returned to the stage in 2016.
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton is another musician who has hearing loss. His condition is thought to be noise-induced. Reportedly, Clapton would play at extreme volumes, even while in the studio.
Chris Martin
Chris Martin, lead singer of the band Coldplay, struggles with tinnitus. In an interview with the Daily Mirror he said “Looking after your ears is unfortunately something you don’t think about until there’s a problem. I wish I’d thought about it earlier.”
“Looking after your ears is unfortunately something you don’t think about until there’s a problem. I wish I’d thought about it earlier.”
Chris Martin, Coldplay
Brian Wilson
Brian Wilson, co-founder of the Beach Boys, was born partially deaf. This did not prevent him from becoming one of the most successful musicians of all time.
Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand has experienced tinnitus since she was a small child. Unlike most of the other artists on this list, her hearing impairment was not likely caused by noise exposure.
If you are suffering from hearing loss or tinnitus, you are not alone! The most important thing you can do to prevent future hearing loss, is to protect your hearing today. Wear hearing protection when you exposed to loud noise, like concerts, gunshots, and fireworks.