Celebrities Famous People with Tinnitus  

Celebrity Lists
256k views 76 items
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, Ranker may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

Hear a ringing in your ears? The celebrities on this list of famous people with tinnitus (which is loosely ranked by fame and popularity) sure do! Tinnitus is a condition that affects an individual's hearing so that they hear a constant ringing noise, humming or hissing. Tinnitus develops as a result of many causes including infections, stress, and allergies, but the most common cause is exposure to loud noise. No wonder there are so many rock stars and musicians with tinnitus on this list, in addition to the other celeb tinnitus sufferers!

Who is the most famous person with tinnitus? Former President Ronald Reagan tops our list. Reagan developed tinnitus while filming a movie. A blank gun was fired inches from his ear and permanently damaged his hearing. In the 80s, Reagan wore a hearing aid to help with the condition. Other actors with tinnitus as a result of being on set include William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and Steve Martin.

Tons of famous musicians have developed tinnitus as a result of playing with loud bands. Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich says that he knew he had tinnitus when he woke up in the middle of the night to turn off a loud TV. As he reached for the remote, he realized that the television wasn't actually on and the noise was coming from his own ears. Other musicians that have tinnitus include The Who's Pete Townshend, Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor, and Eric Clapton.

Are you surprised to learn about any of these celebrities with tinnitus? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Ronald Reagan is listed (or ranked) 1 on the list Famous People with Tinnitus
Photo: Metaweb (FB)/Public domain

Former President Ronald Reagan developed tinnitus after a black pistol was fired close to his ear during a film shoot.

Age: Dec. at 93 (1911-2004)

Birthplace: Whiteside County, Illinois, United States of America, United States, with Territories, + more

Also Ranked

#92 on The Most Influential People of All Time

#9 on The Greatest U.S. Presidents of All Time

#93 on Which Actor Would You Bring Back for One Final Movie?

#59 on The Most Important Leaders in World History

see more on Ronald Reagan
17 Famous Deaf People
Steve Martin is listed (or ranked) 2 on the list Famous People with Tinnitus
Photo: Metaweb (FB)/Fair use

Steve Martin developed tinnitus on the set of Three Amigos because of a gun fight scene.

Age: 73

Birthplace: Waco, Texas, United States of America

Also Ranked

#9 on The Funniest Stand Up Comedians of All Time

#6 on The Funniest People of All Time

#19 on The Most Trustworthy Celebrities in the World

#81 on Celebrities Who Should Run for President

see more on Steve Martin
15 People Who Have Been Banned from SNL
Rush Limbaugh is listed (or ranked) 3 on the list Famous People with Tinnitus
Photo: Metaweb (FB)/CC-BY-SA-2.0

Radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh has tinnitus in his right ear.

Age: 68

Birthplace: Cape Girardeau, Missouri, United States of America

Also Ranked

#85 on American Public Figures Who Are National Treasures

see more on Rush Limbaugh
Famous People Who Were Relentlessly Bullied
William Shatner is listed (or ranked) 4 on the list Famous People with Tinnitus
Photo: DFree/Shutterstock

William Shatner developed tinnitus by standing too close to speakers on the Star Trek set.

Age: 87

Birthplace: Côte Saint-Luc, Canada

Also Ranked

#35 on The Best TV Actors of All Time

#38 on Famous People Most Likely to Live to 100

#34 on The Funniest Canadian Comics & Actors of All Time

#12 on The Best Living Actors in Their 80s

see more on William Shatner
30 Famous People Who Have Love Children