Back in the 60s and 70s, hearing experts were already telling us that listening to high-decibel rock music for hours on end might eventually lead to hearing loss. It’s turning out that they were right.
We’re now learning that baby boomers who grew up and lived their adult lives listening to loud music are more likely to have hearing problems than generations that came before. There’s more and more evidence that years of exposure to loud music will result in hearing loss as you get older.
For proof, just check out the roster of well known rock musicians from the 60s and 70s who now have to live with constant ringing in the ears and other ear noise caused by tinnitus. Just look at the celebrity rockers who now hear ear noises that won’t go away are.
Start with John Entwhistle and Pete Townshend of The Who. Townshend can no longer hear at all in one ear. His deafness is probably the result of high volume music and explosions that were part of their concert act, in addition to listening to super-amplified playbacks during studio recording sessions.
Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac has been quoted in Rolling Stones Magazine as saying, “The world’s worst is when you find yourself going like Mother Hubbard and cupping your hand behind your ear. I was a major glutton for volume: ‘Gotta feel it, gotta hear it.’ Sooner or later you’re going to pay the reaper.”
Others who have had at least partial hearing loss or related problems include George Harrison of the Beatles, Neil Young, Jeff Beck, Ted Nugent, Huey Lewis and Bono.
Band members from My Bloody Valentine, Metallica and The Red Hot Chili Peppers are also on the list of the hearing impaired.
Loud music is not the only hearing hazard among entertainers.
Star Trek icons William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy have tinnitus-like hearing problems suffered due to a prop that exploded on the set during the filming of a Star Trek episode more than 40 years ago.
Tinnitus has been a problem for actor and comedian Steve Martin, who acquired it in the mid 80’s while filming a pistol-shooting scene for the movie “¡Three Amigos!” .
Ear noises have afflicted some famous people since they were very young.
Barbra Streisand has said her reputation for volatility may be the result of tinnitus or a similar hearing impairment from which she has had since she was seven, according to a number of news reports.
Actress Morgan Fairchild had scarlet fever when she was very young. She says she suffered multiple ear infections and kidney infections when she was little that she admits she is “partially deaf” as a result.
Constant ear noises that were probably caused by tinnitus by tinnitus have also affected many other famous people, including the late ABC newsman Peter Jennings, broadcaster Larry King, actor Richard Thomas, and presidents Bill Clinton and the late Ronald Reagan.
Having tinnitus is not an indication that you’re losing your hearing completely. But if you hear constant ringing in the ears, or noises like a whirr, hum, buzz, whoosh or any sound that shouldn’t be there, you should definitely make an appointment to get a hearing exam as soon as you can.
If you want to find more information on topics related to this article, click on constant ringing and other ear noises and constant ringing in the ears. Neal Kennedy is a retired TV anchor, medical reporter and radio talk show host. He frequently contributes articles to Keeping Your Ears Healthy, a resource website about ear health and wellness.
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