Iconic musician Gary Numan has shared a candid update regarding his health, revealing that he is now 90 per cent deaf. The artist, known for his pioneering work in electronic music, discussed the reality of his condition during a recent appearance on the I’m ADHD! No You’re Not podcast.

Speaking with hosts Paul Whitehouse and Dr. Mine Conkbayir, Numan pointed to his hearing aids, noting, “I’ve got hearing aids on so I can hear what you’re doing.” When Whitehouse suggested that decades of performing at maximum volume with amplifiers and electric guitars had taken their toll, Numan confirmed the assessment. He further explained that this significant hearing loss was a primary factor in his decision to step away from his long-standing hobby of display flying.

The challenges Numan faces are not uncommon within the music industry. According to data from the Hearing Health Foundation, professional musicians are four times more likely to suffer from noise-induced hearing loss than the general public, with a 57 per cent higher likelihood of developing tinnitus. A survey by the charity Help Musicians further highlights the prevalence of the issue, finding that 40 per cent of professionals across various genres have experienced hearing loss directly linked to their work.

Despite these health challenges, Numan remains active in his musical career. With advancements in audio technology, many artists are finding ways to continue touring and recording. Numan is currently preparing for a major performance at London’s Crystal Palace Park on August 6, as part of the ‘Palace Bowl Presents’ festival series. He is set to perform a career-spanning set, including classics like ‘Cars’ and ‘M.E.’, supported by Marc Almond and Ladytron.

This upcoming show follows a period of personal reflection for the artist, who recently completed a 45th-anniversary tour for his seminal album Telekon. During that tour, Numan experienced a difficult moment on stage, later revealing that he had received the tragic news of his brother John Webb’s sudden passing. Despite the grief, Numan chose to continue the tour, honoring the wishes of his family and his brother’s wife.

For those concerned about their own hearing health, charities such as the Musicians’ Union provide resources on accessing affordable hearing protection, emphasizing that much of the damage caused by loud environments is preventable.