The former Communards member discusses the impact of loud music on his hearing and his positive experiences with hearing aids.
Reverend Richard Coles, the former member of the 1980s pop band Communards, has disclosed that he is now reliant on hearing aids due to long-term damage inflicted on his ears by his musical career and exposure to loud environments. The 62-year-old, who gained further public recognition after his participation in the reality show I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here last December, shared these details in an interview with The Times.
Coles began to acknowledge his hearing problems when he experienced significant tinnitus, a condition characterised by a persistent ringing in the ears. Despite earlier signs, including friends urging him to lower the volume when watching TV, he had not taken immediate action. He recounted a visit to an audiologist, where he underwent tests that highlighted a notable decline in his ability to hear high frequencies. “The graph displayed a drop steeper than Tesla’s share price in my response to high frequencies—the first casualty of the kind of damage too much loud sound can cause,” he said.
The audiologist fitted him with two advanced Bluetooth hearing aids, which have since changed his auditory experience significantly. Coles described a recent visit to a performance by the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra and Festival Chorus, stating, “I wondered if hearing aids would offer only slight improvement rather than life-transforming change, but then I went to a concert. It was revelatory— not only a fine performance, but the sound in the hall was crisp, lively, full of attack and sparkle.” He noted that he could now hear his own piano playing better and had received positive feedback about his speech.
However, the reverend did mention ongoing challenges, particularly with hearing conversations in noisy environments, such as busy restaurants. To address this, he has resorted to visiting quieter eateries during off-peak hours.
Coles’ music career began in the early 1980s with Bronski Beat before forming the Communards alongside Jimmy Somerville in 1985. During their brief but impactful time together, the duo released the chart-topping single “Don’t Leave Me This Way” in 1986. Reflecting on his experiences, Coles acknowledged the risks of hearing damage, recalling a warning received from esteemed producer George Martin over 40 years ago. Coles stated that he would now pass on the same caution to new artists entering the music industry.
Beyond his musical legacy, Coles has also made headlines for building an unlikely friendship with YouTuber GK Barry during his time on I’m A Celebrity, where they shared light-hearted conversations on various topics. He expressed his fondness for Barry, stating, “She’s so funny. I love her angle on things. And she’s a decent, kind, good person.” Both have indicated plans to collaborate on a project, with Coles joking about future outings that include opera and a spa day.
Their friendship appears to remain strong, as Coles confirmed to Lorraine Kelly in January that they were planning to meet to discuss their upcoming creative endeavours, marking an ongoing evolution in both his personal and professional life.
Source: Noah Wire Services
