Paul Simon Discusses Coping with Hearing Loss and Its Impact on His Music

Last year, the legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon candidly opened up about his battle with hearing loss. During the creation of his album «Seven Psalms,» Simon began experiencing significant issues with his left ear. In an interview, he remarked, «Quite suddenly, I lost most of the hearing in my left ear, and nobody has an explanation for it. So everything became more difficult.»

Recently, in a new interview with Anthony Mason of «CBS Mornings,» Simon shared further insights into his journey adapting to this challenge. Initially, Simon feared he might not be able to continue writing or composing music. He described the experience as «incredibly frustrating,» admitting, «I was very angry at first that this had happened.» Simon also expressed his concerns about whether he could still enjoy making music, saying, «I guess what I’m most apprehensive about would be if I can’t hear well enough to really enjoy the act of making music.»

Since then, Simon’s hearing has deteriorated significantly, with only 6% of his hearing remaining in his left ear. Nonetheless, he has refused to let this condition stop him. He now uses larger speakers strategically placed around him when playing music to better hear it. Simon has also adapted his musical style, transitioning to quieter, acoustic versions. «I’m going through my repertoire and reducing a lot of the choices that I make to acoustic versions. It’s all much quieter. It’s not ‘You Can Call Me Al.’ That’s gone. I can’t do that one,» he mentioned, injecting some humor into his reflections.

Though Simon concluded his final tour in 2018, he remains active with occasional performances. He recently surprised audiences with a set at New York City’s Irish Arts Centre and participated in The SoHo Sessions as part of a fundraiser for the Stanford Initiative to Cure Hearing Loss (SICHL). Reflecting on creativity in the face of disability, Simon said, «You know Matisse, when he was suffering at the end of his life, envisioned all these cut-outs and had a great creative period. So I don’t think creativity stops with disability. So far, I haven’t experienced that. And I hope not to.»

Initially, doctors informed Simon that nothing could be done about his condition. However, through SICHL, which comprises nearly 100 scientists working on preventing, repairing, and replacing damaged inner ear tissue, there is now hope. This initiative explores innovative research, including studies on animals like zebrafish and mice, to find ways to recover hearing. A segment of the «CBS Mornings» interview showcased Simon’s visit to the SICHL facilities in Palo Alto, California, where these groundbreaking efforts were discussed.