Huey Lewis, the iconic frontman of Huey Lewis and the News, has voiced his deep concerns regarding his future in music due to his ongoing battle with Ménière’s disease. This debilitating inner ear disorder, which he was first diagnosed with in the late 1980s, has drastically impacted his ability to perform. Although he remains hopeful for a potential return to music, his most recent statements reveal a stark reality: he doubts he will ever perform live or record again.
In a candid interview, Lewis disclosed the profound toll that hearing loss has taken on him, particularly following a complete loss of hearing in 2018 while performing in Dallas. He described that moment as not only a significant professional blow but also a personal crisis, leading him to contemplate serious despair. “There was literally a roaring tinnitus in my head,” he shared. This struggle with mental health compounded the physical challenges he faced and left him grappling with suicidal thoughts shortly after his diagnosis.
Despite undergoing surgery for a cochlear implant—a medical device designed to bypass damaged areas of the inner ear and stimulate the auditory nerve—he finds himself unable to appreciate the music that once defined his life. “I can’t hear music. I might get to where I can try to, and I’m not going to give up,” he reflected, though he acknowledges, “I doubt I’m ever going to see that… feel that again.” This emotional journey resonates with many artists who fear the loss of their craft, underscoring the psychological impact of such health challenges.
His battle with Ménière’s disease, which can cause episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing, has been severe. Following the loss of his hearing, Lewis cancelled a tour in 2018, citing that the condition made it impossible for him to perform. He has explored various treatment avenues, including dietary adjustments and consultations with top specialists, but has found little relief.
Lewis’s path has not been entirely devoid of hope. In 2020, he released “Weather,” his first album of original material in nearly two decades, a project he embarked upon despite his declining hearing. In discussions surrounding this release, he expressed optimism for the future, even as he faced the stark reality of his condition. This dichotomy of hope and despair reflects his determination to adapt to life’s changes, stating, “It turns out you can get used to almost anything… At least I don’t have pancreatic cancer.”
As he continues to navigate the complexities of living with hearing loss, Lewis’ story sheds light on the broader issues surrounding health and creativity, presenting an inspiring testament to resilience in the face of life-altering challenges. While his uncertainty looms large over his musical future, his indomitable spirit remains intact.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
