Renowned singer-songwriter Paul Simon, known for his iconic career as a solo artist and his earlier work as part of the folk duo with Art Garfunkel, is now counted among the 40 million Americans grappling with hearing loss.
Speaking at the Toronto Film Festival, where the premiere of “In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon” took place, the 81-year-old artist acknowledged his hearing loss, saying, “I haven’t fully accepted it yet, but I’m starting to.”
Despite releasing a new album titled “Seven Psalms” earlier this year, Simon expressed his difficulties in performing live due to the hearing loss affecting his left ear. He had hoped to continue occasional live concerts even after his formal farewell in 2018. However, he considers his concert appearances as an essential part of exploring and expanding upon his record-making process.
Simon revealed that he intends to collaborate with two guitarists who can handle the instrumental parts he would normally perform during concerts. By doing so, he aims to find a solution that allows him to continue sharing his music with live audiences.
The Prevalence of Hearing Loss
Government statistics indicate that approximately 15.5% of American adults over the age of 18 experience hearing issues, placing the number at around 40 million people.
The National Council on Aging emphasizes that hearing loss tends to become more common as individuals age. They further assert that it is a significant public health concern due to its association with various conditions such as dementia, depression, anxiety, and an increased risk of falls. These interconnected health issues not only incur higher healthcare costs but also diminish overall quality of life.