Eric Clapton revealed Tuesday (Jan. 9) that he is losing his hearing and was diagnosed with tinnitus.
Tinnitus is “the perception of noise or ringing in the ears,” according to Mayo Clinic. It is often a symptom of a more severe condition, such as hearing loss or an ear injury.
“I am still going to work. I’m doing a few gigs,” the 72-year old guitarist said in an interview with Steve Wright on BBC Radio 2 while discussing his documentary, Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars. “I’m concerned with now is being in my 70s and being able to be proficient. I mean, I’m going deaf, I’ve got tinnitus, my hands just about work. I mean, I am hoping that people will come along and see me for more than that [because] I am a curiosity. I know that is part of it, because it’s amazing to myself that I am still here.”
Clapton also suffers with peripheral neuropathy, which causes weakness and pain in hands and feet, making it difficult to play guitar. The legend, however, still has some concerts lined up in New York and Los Angeles in March 2018.
Fans can catch Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars February 10 on Showtime.