Huey Lewis says he can no longer enjoy music due to being mostly deaf

In a recent podcast episode, Huey Lewis shared the profound impact that his hearing loss has had on his relationship with music. Formerly the lead singer of Huey Lewis and the News, Lewis revealed that he is now “basically deaf” due to a diagnosis of Meniere’s disease in early 2018. He expressed how this health condition has altered his daily life, making it nearly impossible for him to engage with music as he once did.

Lewis explained that he now relies on a cochlear implant to help him hear and understand speech. However, the device’s operation makes it challenging for him to discern pitch, affecting his ability to appreciate music fully. The implant breaks down sound into digital bits, making speech more accessible than music. Lewis noted the complexity of music, which encompasses various frequencies, overtones, and harmonics, causing distortion for him and hindering his ability to perceive pitch accurately.

Expressing his frustration, Lewis shared that he can no longer derive joy from music, an activity that used to accompany his daily routines like cooking and hosting guests. He lamented not being able to play his collection of old big band and jazz music for others, highlighting how the experience has become unfulfilling without the ability to fully immerse himself in the sounds. The absence of enjoyment has made listening to music a source of disappointment rather than pleasure, leading Lewis to feel disconnected from the warmth and emotion music once brought him.

Reflecting on his experience, Lewis admitted to feeling devastated by the loss of music in his life. He described how moments that were once fun and life-enhancing have now become disheartening and irritating, impairing his ability to connect with the music he loves. Lewis’s candid discussion sheds light on the emotional toll that hearing loss can take on an individual’s relationship to something as integral as music.

This conversation is not the first time Lewis has opened up about his struggles with hearing loss. In his previous conversations with The Times, he shared the challenges he faces due to his condition and how it has significantly impacted his ability to engage with music. Lewis’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that health conditions can have on one’s relationship with the world around them, especially in areas as significant as music.