Hearing loss is something that affects many Canadians. As many as 38% of adults aged 20-79 deal with it. It often occurs naturally as part of the aging process, but can also be caused by trauma, loud noises, medications, or diseases. Fortunately, if you’re one of the many in Calgary who suffers from hearing loss, you’re not alone.

The Sounds of Silence

Paul Simon, world-renowned singer-songwriter, is one of many professional musicians who is dealing with hearing loss as a consequence of their career. Paul has been in the industry since the 1960s when he was part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel who recorded hit albums such as Bridge Over Troubled Water. He also has a long string of solo albums, including the smash hit album Graceland.

In 2018, Paul decided to mostly retire from touring, though he did leave the possibility of a return open. However, in 2023, he lost the hearing in his left ear during the recording of his album Seven Psalms.

For a musician of Paul’s calibre, losing your hearing is devastating. In an article in The Guardian, he called it “scary [and] frustrating”.

While he would love to make a return to performing live, he’s found he can’t perform with his touring band thanks to that loss of hearing. Thus far, he’s only played a handful of acoustic shows at a charity fundraiser in New York.

Paul remains optimistic that he can return to live performances eventually.

Hearing Loss Is Something Many People Deal With

Many Canadians are not even aware that they’re experiencing hearing loss. Hearing loss can slowly begin with a reduced ability to hear clarity sounds, which is something you may not notice until you begin to struggle. It also may include other symptoms such as tinnitus, which is a perception of noise that manifests as a ringing, hissing, buzzing, or rushing sound in your ears.

In Canada, hearing loss gets more common at older ages, with up to 94% of people between the ages of 70-79 experiencing some form of it.

Protect Your Hearing – Even if You’re Not a Musician

While musicians rely on their hearing more than the average person, that doesn’t mean the average person doesn’t rely on it quite a bit themselves. Hearing loss is caused by a variety of factors, including the repeated exposure to loud music or other loud noises, but can also come from trauma, disease, or even simply from age.

One way to help preserve your hearing is to wear hearing protection, especially if you are in a loud environment. Earplugs are useful in many different environments, including loud concerts. They’re also used by pilots who often have to deal with the loud engines of airplanes on a regular basis.

Are You Suffering from Hearing Loss? Visit Soundwave Hearing Care in Calgary

If you’re suffering from hearing loss like Paul Simon or are worried about losing your hearing in the future, you can turn to Soundwave Hearing Care in Calgary. We can conduct hearing tests, provide you with hearing aids, and outfit you with custom earplugs. We also offer filtered musician ear plugs that are great for musicians, concert goers, or anyone who wants to protect their hearing while still enjoying clarity and music. Please contact us today to book your appointment.