Many people struggling with hearing loss view it as a life sentence. They may withdraw or become less likely to engage in the activities they used to love, particularly if those hobbies involve hearing. Learning about famous people who have suffered from hearing loss can be a source of inspiration and encouragement for those experiencing hearing difficulties themselves.
Ludwig van Beethoven
Beethoven, one of the most famous classical composers of all time, suffered from hearing loss. He began to lose his hearing at the age of 26, with tinnitus (“ringing” in the ears) preventing him from hearing music. Beethoven’s hearing difficulties were so profound that he sometimes could not hear the applause of an audience after a successful performance. Despite this, he continued composing music until his death at age 56. Some of his most beloved compositions, including his Ninth Symphony, were composed when he was almost completely deaf.
Bill Clinton
President Bill Clinton spent years enjoying rock music, hunting, and political rallies. Those experiences eventually took a toll on his hearing. Clinton was officially diagnosed with hearing problems in 1997 and has worn in-canal hearing aids ever since. This hasn’t stopped him from completing his presidential duties and engaging in a successful post-presidential career.
Pete Townshend
As the lead guitarist and songwriter for the classic rock band The Who, Pete Townshend has heard his fair share of rock concerts. This loud environment has caused him to experience significant hearing loss. Astonishingly, the band has gone on to celebrate 50 years of fantastic music, and they’re still on tour.
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg is one of only 12 people in history who have won an Emmy, a Tony, a Grammy, and an Oscar award. She continues to be a funny and controversial co-host of The View. During a segment on The View about hearing loss, Goldberg revealed that she typically wears hearing aids around the house. She attributes her hearing loss to her love of loud music.
Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison had severe and long-standing hearing problems, possibly resulting from multiple middle ear infections throughout his childhood. These hearing problems continued to get worse as Edison aged, making him unable to hear birdsong in adulthood. Although Edison often told people that he was working on designs for a hearing aid, it is unclear whether these plans ever came to fruition. However, Edison did test others’ hearing aid designs. Despite his hearing loss, Edison was a prolific inventor who held a whopping 1,093 U.S. patents.
Discussing famous people who have suffered from hearing loss is a great way to normalize the problem, particularly when speaking with loved ones who are in denial about their hearing difficulties. Observing the fantastic accomplishments of people with hearing loss can encourage many people to get the treatment they need. Visiting one of My Hearing Centers locations is the first step in you or a loved one getting fitted for a hearing enhancement device that can transform your hearing.