Renowned singer Huey Lewis, once celebrated for his melodic voice and chart-topping hits, has recently revealed his heart-wrenching battle with hearing loss. The once-thriving music enthusiast now finds himself unable to appreciate the beauty of melodies, a circumstance that plunged him into a period of intense depression.
Lewis, the lead vocalist of the iconic 1980s band “Huey Lewis and the News,” opened up about his struggle to perceive music as anything but a cacophony of noise. He articulated that the complexity of comprehending music goes beyond just processing speech, making the experience even more disheartening.
At the age of 73, Lewis disclosed the intricate details of his hearing impairment. He pointed out that his particular hearing loss not only involves a reduction in auditory ability but also distorts various frequencies and harmonics, significantly affecting the lower range of sound. This challenge began with his right ear, a consequence of Ménière’s disease striking when he was in his late 30s and the band was at the zenith of its fame.
Recalling the initial shock of this predicament, Lewis admitted to being taken aback. However, a reassuring conversation with his ear, nose, and throat specialist provided a glimmer of hope. The doctor’s words, “You only need one [ear],” echoed in Lewis’s mind, offering solace and reminding him of the likes of musical legends Jimi Hendrix and Brian Wilson who overcame similar obstacles.
By 2017, Lewis’s left ear also succumbed to the hearing loss, catapulting him into a world of silence and uncertainty. He vividly remembered his first reaction, describing it as devastating and acknowledging the ensuing six months of seclusion and anxiety.
In search of a solution, Lewis embarked on a journey through various alternative therapies. Acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, and changes in his diet were just a few of the avenues he explored in his quest to restore his hearing. Sadly, none of these endeavors bore fruit, leaving him in a state of despair.
During this trying period, Lewis confronted the depths of depression, shedding 20 pounds and confining himself to his bed. However, the love and presence of his two children acted as a lifeline, gradually helping him climb out of the abyss and regain a sense of purpose.
Today, armed with hearing aids, Huey Lewis has managed to turn a corner in his life. He’s reframed his perspective, acknowledging the profound truth that there are countless individuals grappling with far greater challenges. This realization has prompted him to recalibrate his attitude and outlook, understanding that while his life has undergone significant changes, it remains a privilege when compared to the struggles faced by others.
Huey Lewis’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of human experiences and the boundless capacity of the human spirit to adapt and find meaning in the face of adversity.
