Celebrity Facts Famous People with Tinnitus
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.
Former President Ronald Reagan developed tinnitus after a black pistol was fired close to his ear during a film shoot.
Age: Died at 93 (1911-2004)
Birthplace: Tampico, Illinois, United States of America
Also Ranked
#99 on The Greatest Western Movie Stars
#94 on Which Actor Would You Bring Back for One Final Movie?
#47 on Historical Figures You Most Want to Bring Back from the Dead
#10 on The Greatest U.S. Presidents of All Time
see more on Ronald Reagan
Steve Martin developed tinnitus on the set of Three Amigos because of a gun fight scene.
Age: 72
Birthplace: Texas, USA, Waco
Also Ranked
#7 on The Funniest People of All Time
#20 on The Most Trustworthy Celebrities in the World
#9 on The Funniest Stand Up Comedians of All Time
#22 on Famous People Most Likely to Live to 100
see more on Steve Martin
Radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh has tinnitus in his right ear.
Age: 67
Birthplace: Cape Girardeau, Missouri, United States of America
Also Ranked
#89 on American Public Figures Who Are National Treasures
see more on Rush Limbaugh
William Shatner developed tinnitus by standing too close to speakers on the Star Trek set.
Age: 87
Birthplace: Côte Saint-Luc, Canada
Also Ranked
#39 on Famous People Most Likely to Live to 100
#36 on The Funniest Canadian Comics & Actors of All Time
#31 on The Best TV Actors of All Time
#12 on The Best Living Actors in Their 80s
see more on William Shatner