The AudioNotch Tinnitus Treatment Blog


Famous People With Tinnitus

Written by AudioNotch Team on October 15, 2015


Please note: the following information does not constitute professional medical advice, and is provided for general informational purposes only. Please speak to your doctor if you have tinnitus.

 

Those with tinnitus know the symptoms all too well. A constant ringing, buzzing or clicking heard in the ears can make it difficult to concentrate and carry on with conversations. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Disorders, tinnitus is surprisingly common, with approximately 10% of adults in the United States currently coping with the disorder. Among these adults are famous people with tinnitus that put a very public face on what often feels like a solitary condition.

Neil Young
This famous musician started his rock and roll career back in the 1960s, and he has earned the distinction of being named to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice in his career. He claims that his tinnitus began during the making of his album “Weld,” and it influenced him to turn to softer music for later albums.

William Shatner
Star Trek may have led him to his celebrity status, but he also blames standing to close to the speakers on set for causing his tinnitus. Since developing the condition, he has gone on to become actively involved in the American Tinnitus Association and speaks out on behalf of all those afflicted with constant ringing.

Ronald Reagan
President Reagan began his presidency with tinnitus in his right ear that he developed during the filming of a movie when a pistol was fired too close to his ear. Over the course of his presidency, the tinnitus progressed and began to cause problems with his right ear as well.

Rush Limbaugh
He’s a political commentator, writer, radio talk show host, and he also makes the list of famous people with tinnitus. Limbaugh’s tinnitus reached such a level of severity that it caused him to be declared deaf in both ears. After a cochlear implant, he now states that his hearing has improved.

Jeff Beck
As a member of the Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck was best known for his notable guitar techniques. However, the loud music and rock and roll lifestyle might have contributed to his development of tinnitus. He describes his symptoms as being worse than someone scratching on glass with their nails, and he has even cancelled appearances due to his condition.

There is something comforting about knowing that others struggle with similar health conditions, and famous people with tinnitus have the ability to raise awareness that can be beneficial for everyone. By speaking out and making their voices heard, celebrities can help teach ways to prevent tinnitus while encouraging others to find new methods for treatment.