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Huey Lewis Proves Hearing Loss Doesn’t End the Music

Photo by Deanne Fitzmaurice,
via Penguin Random House Speakers Bureau: https://www.prhspeakers.com/speaker/huey-lewis
Huey Lewis, the legendary frontman behind hits like The Power of Love and Hip to Be Square, has faced one of the toughest challenges of his life: a near-total loss of hearing caused by Ménière’s disease. This inner-ear condition, which can trigger vertigo, tinnitus, and progressive hearing impairment, forced Lewis to step away from live performances in 2018. For someone whose career revolved around sound, the impact was profound.
What Happened to Huey Lewis?
Huey Lewis’s condition stems from Ménière’s disease, which affects the inner ear and can cause vertigo, tinnitus, and progressive hearing loss. Initially diagnosed decades ago, Lewis managed his symptoms for years. But during a 2018 performance in Dallas, his hearing suddenly deteriorated to the point where he could no longer hear music well enough to sing. Overnight, performing became impossible. He could no longer hear music well enough to sing in tune, and all remaining tour dates were cancelled, and his career as a live performer came to an abrupt halt.
Although Lewis now uses a cochlear implant to improve speech comprehension, music remains difficult for him to enjoy. The loss of that connection has been deeply challenging, but he continues to explore ways to stay involved in the industry. His determination to keep moving forward is inspiring, not just for fans, but for anyone dealing with hearing issues.
Watch his full interview about his hearing loss with Dan Rather here!
Why This Story Matters for Albertans
Hearing loss isn’t limited to celebrities. In Alberta, thousands of residents experience similar struggles every day. Age-related hearing decline, prolonged exposure to loud environments, and untreated ear infections are common causes. While Ménière’s disease is rare, the emotional impact of hearing loss is universal: frustration, isolation, and even depression often accompany the inability to engage fully with the world of sound.
The encouraging news is that modern hearing care offers solutions that can restore quality of life. Early detection is key, and that starts with a professional hearing test.
Advanced Hearing Solutions Are Within Reach
Technology has come a long way. Cochlear implants, advanced hearing aids, and personalized treatment plans can make a dramatic difference for most people. At Soundwave Hearing Care, we specialize in identifying the root cause of hearing issues and tailoring solutions to fit your lifestyle. Whether you’re struggling to follow conversations or constantly turning up the TV volume, these are signs you shouldn’t ignore.
Untreated hearing loss can lead to more than inconvenience, it can affect cognitive health, social engagement, and overall well-being. Acting early helps prevent these complications.
Expert Hearing Solutions Right Here in Calgary
If you’re in Alberta, you don’t have to wait for symptoms to worsen. Our ear clinic in Calgary offers comprehensive hearing tests, tinnitus management, and the latest hearing aid technology. We believe hearing care should be proactive, because the sooner you act, the better your outcome.
Booking a hearing test is quick, painless, and could change your life. Just like Huey Lewis, you deserve to keep enjoying the sounds that matter most, whether it be your favourite playlist, a family conversation, or the simple peace of nature.
Take the First Step Today
Huey Lewis’s journey reminds us that hearing health is essential to living fully. While his challenges are unique, his resilience highlights an important truth: life doesn’t stop with hearing loss; it does require action.
If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, don’t wait. Schedule your hearing test at Soundwave Hearing Care’s ear clinic in Calgary today. Our team is ready to help you rediscover the joy of sound.
All the blogs are reviewed and edited by our clinic's lead audiologist, Dr. Anne Wooliams. Dr. Woolliams is an experienced audiologist specialized in pediatric audiology, auditory processing, and tinnitus/sound sensitivity therapy. She is dedicated to providing top-notch hearing care and helping her clients improve their language and communication abilities. Dr. Woolliams' expertise in literature and linguistics, combined with her passion for helping people improve their language and communication, make her an incredibly valuable asset in the field of audiology. Learn more about Dr. Woolliams.