Huey Lewis Opens Up About How Being ‘Basically Deaf’ Has Changed His Life: ‘Music Is Not Part of My Life Anymore’

**Huey Lewis Reflects on Life Altered by Ménière’s Disease**

Huey Lewis, the renowned frontman of Huey Lewis and the News, recently shared the profound impact Ménière’s disease has had on his life and career. The seasoned musician, now 76, revealed that he has been “basically deaf” for over eight years, a situation he attributes to the chronic inner ear condition he has battled since the mid-1990s.

During an episode of the podcast *Inside of You* with Michael Rosenbaum, Lewis recounted his struggles with hearing loss, which has forced him to forgo performing altogether. The diagnosis came after years of experiencing vertigo attacks that ultimately led to significant changes in his auditory perception. “At a certain point you gotta face the music… I can’t hear music,” Lewis candidly stated. “Music is not part of my life anymore, which is a hard pill to swallow.”

Ménière’s disease is characterised by the accumulation of fluid in the inner ear, resulting in fluctuating hearing loss and balance difficulties. Although the root cause remains elusive, this debilitating condition afflicts around 15% of those diagnosed with Ménière’s in both ears. Lewis explained how this illness has dramatically altered his lifestyle and his connection to music.

The “Power of Love” hitmaker disclosed that he relies on a cochlear implant to assist with understanding speech. However, the device has limitations when it comes to music, making it challenging for Lewis to appreciate the nuances he once enjoyed. “Music used to be so much fun. [But] it ends up being frustrating for me when I can’t enjoy it,” he lamented. The distortion caused by the implant interferes not only with his ability to appreciate sound but also affects how he perceives the voices of those around him.

Reflecting on his career, Lewis expressed envy towards former band members like John Pierce, who continues to perform with the band Toto. “I gotta say, God, I’d like to do that. So there are pangs,” he confided. The singer reminisced about hosting gatherings where he would share his extensive collection of big band tunes and New Orleans jazz, an activity that has now become a bittersweet memory due to his inability to enjoy music.

Lewis recounted the early warning signs of his hearing issues, which appeared over three decades ago with a loss in his right ear. Following his father’s advice as a doctor, he consulted an ENT specialist, who advised him to “get used to it.” Despite initial apprehension, Lewis adjusted and performed successfully for 25 years. However, the eventual decline in the hearing of his left ear led him to his current state of deafness.

Although the Grammy-winning artist acknowledges he would likely still be touring if not for his condition, he has embraced a newfound passion for fly fishing. Often pursuing this hobby solo, Lewis has found joy in exploring picturesque fishing spots that provide him with a welcome escape. “I miss the camaraderie of the fellows and the circus-like thing that it is, but man, I’ve been fishing so many great places and had so many great experiences,” he reflected. “I gotta kinda look at the positive.”

In previous interviews, Lewis has described his battle with Ménière’s as a “cross to bear.” He shared in 2025 about the ongoing dizziness and how the excruciating silence of total hearing loss affects him deeply. “The worst part is that means it’s bad enough not to be able to perform and sing and play, but it’s really bad not to even be able to enjoy music,” he admitted.

Addressing the emotional challenges that accompany his diagnosis, Lewis has also opened up about thoughts of despair he experienced shortly after learning about his condition. In a candid moment from a 2019 interview, he discussed contemplating suicide during the initial months of grappling with Ménière’s disease.

As Lewis continues to navigate life with hearing loss, he remains a symbol of resilience in the music industry. His reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the profound connection many hold with music and the personal struggles that can accompany such a deep-seated passion. Despite the challenges, Lewis’s story highlights the potential for finding solace in new ventures, proving that even in loss, there can be moments of discovery and joy.