Hearing loss affects people of every age and walk of life, including some of the most influential names in music, entertainment, and pop culture. Many celebrities have not only chosen to address their hearing loss but also speak openly about how wearing hearing aids isn’t something to hide. In fact, for many, these devices are essential tools that support their careers, relationships, and overall quality of life. In this blog, we list celebrities who proudly wear hearing aids every day and explore how their experiences are changing the conversation around hearing health.
1. Paul McCartney (Musician)
Paul McCartney needs little introduction. As a founding member of The Beatles and a solo artist with a career spanning over 60 years, he’s one of history’s most influential musicians—and he also wears hearing aids.
Before hearing protection was standard practice, the early rock and roll era was defined by extraordinarily loud noise levels. Over time, this level of exposure can contribute to significant hearing challenges. Hearing aids help combat this and maintain speech clarity, even in complex listening environments like loud venues, interviews, and public appearances.
McCartney’s continued presence in music demonstrates that with the right support, hearing loss doesn’t have to limit your talent or your life.
2. Whoopi Goldberg (Actress)
Award-winning actress and television personality Whoopi Goldberg has been open about her experience with hearing loss for years. Goldberg wears hearing aids in both ears to treat the condition, which she has attributed in part to years of exposure to loud noise.
As someone constantly in the public eye and on live television, clear communication is essential to her work. Hearing aids play a critical role in helping her stay fully engaged in daily conversations, interviews, and TV appearances.
3. Eric Clapton (Musician)
Eric Clapton is widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in rock history, known for his bluesy style and melodic soloing. What many don’t realize is that Clapton also wears hearing aids to manage significant hearing loss.
He describes his hearing difficulties as deeply frustrating for someone whose life revolves around music. Despite these challenges, Clapton is still performing and creating music to this day, with hearing aids giving him the support he needs to keep doing what he loves.
4. Derrick Coleman (Former NFL Player)
Derrick Coleman made history as one of the first legally deaf players in the NFL. Diagnosed with hearing loss at a young age, Coleman has worn hearing aids for most of his life, including throughout his professional football career.
His success at the highest level of professional sports serves as a powerful example of resilience and adaptability. Beyond athletics, Coleman has become an advocate for the hearing loss community, inspiring others to embrace hearing aids and support systems that help them thrive.
5. Phil Collins (Musician)
Phil Collins is a legendary musician who now lives with significant hearing loss, largely due to long-term noise exposure during his decades-long career. Years of performing in loud environments severely impact his ability to hear clearly, particularly in his left ear. Despite this, Collins has continued to create and perform, relying on advanced hearing aid technology as part of his daily routine.
Collins’ experience shows how hearing aids can help people adapt and continue pursuing their passions. His story and others like him also underscore the importance of hearing protection and early intervention, especially those regularly exposed to high noise levels.
6. Gerry Turner (TV Personality)
At 72, Gerry Turner became a household name when he appeared on a popular reality dating show searching for love in his golden years. What made his TV debut especially memorable was how open he was about wearing hearing aids every day.
Turner made a powerful statement by showing how hearing aids are a normal part of his routine. His openness helps reinforce that seeking hearing loss support is essential to communication and maintaining meaningful connections.
7. Huey Lewis (Musician)
Legendary musician Huey Lewis rose to fame in the 80s with hits that defined a generation like “The Power of Love” and “Hip to Be Square.” Unfortunately, decades after being diagnosed with Ménière’s disease, his career was halted by sudden and severe hearing loss.
Ménière’s disease is an inner ear disorder that causes symptoms like dizziness, ear pressure, and hearing changes. The severity of his hearing loss made it challenging to perform and record, something he has regarded as deeply painful for someone who dedicated his life to music.
Since then, Lewis has described his hearing aids as his most prized possessions. His story highlights the importance of monitoring hearing health and the life-changing benefits that modern hearing aid technology can provide.
8. Jodie Foster (Actress)
Jodie Foster is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses, with a career spanning more than five decades, two Academy Awards, and roles in dozens of iconic films. Foster is also reported to wear hearing aids.
In an industry that depends on dialogue, direction, and timing, maintaining clear hearing is critical. For anyone in a high-performing, fast-paced, or demanding career, untreated hearing loss can create devastating barriers.
Foster’s situation highlights how hearing aids can be an essential, behind-the-scenes tool that helps you continue to perform at your best without compromise.
9. Peter Townshend (Musician)
Peter Townshend is best known for being the co-founder and lead guitarist of The Who, one of rock music’s most iconic groups. He’s also one of its most prominent advocates for hearing health awareness.
After decades of performing with a band that once held a Guinness World Record for the loudest concert in history, Townshend now wears hearing aids to manage his noise-induced hearing loss. He’s one of the most outspoken musicians about the condition, encouraging fans and musicians to protect their ears before the damage becomes irreversible.
10. Roger Daltrey (Musician)
Townshend isn’t the only member of The Who with hearing loss. Lead singer Roger Daltrey has also spoken openly about the significant hearing loss he developed after decades of performing with one of history’s loudest bands.
Like his longtime bandmate, Daltrey wears hearing aids every day to manage the condition. He also uses his platform to advise fans to wear proper hearing protection at concerts.
11. Daisy Kent (TV Personality)
Daisy Kent is a reality television personality and social media influencer known for her strong advocacy for hearing loss care and Lyme disease. After making her debut on one of the most popular dating shows of all time, Kent won over millions of hearts by sharing her health and hearing journey.
Kent has been living with Lyme disease since childhood, a serious condition that caused her symptoms like chronic pain and eventually severe hearing loss. She proudly wears hearing devices and openly talks about her experience, hoping to break down the stigma and inspire others to prioritize their hearing health.
12. Alice Cooper (Musician)
Rock ‘n Roll legend, Alice Cooper, is known as the Godfather of Shock Rock. With hits like “School’s Out” and “Poison,” he’s built a legacy rooted in high-energy music that is unapologetically loud. But after a career defined by relentless noise exposure, Cooper found himself facing a scary reality: hearing loss.
He first noticed his hearing had changed when he couldn’t follow TV dialogue, and it quickly got more pronounced from there. Cooper now wears hearing aids daily and continues to advocate for hearing health to fellow musicians and music fans alike.
13. Halle Berry (Actress)
Halle Berry is an Academy Award-winning actress, producer, and former fashion model. Berry has also been wearing hearing aids since 2006 to help manage severe hearing loss in one ear, resulting from a traumatic head injury.
Her experience brings light to many important topics, including the reality that hearing loss can affect anyone, at any age, and for many different reasons. Berry’s story also demonstrates the power of seeking support, showing that doing so can be personally empowering and inspiring to countless others.
14. Chris Martin (Musician)
As the lead singer of Coldplay, Chris Martin is one of the most recognized voices in alternative rock music. He is also very open about his experience with years of untreated hearing loss due to loud noise exposure.
For musicians, hearing is both a creative tool and a professional necessity. That’s why Martin now uses custom-fitted hearing aids to help manage the condition and specialized earplugs to protect his hearing during performances.
15. Daymond John (TV Personality)
Daymond John is an entrepreneur and investor on an Emmy-winning reality TV show. He’s also a proud wearer of hearing aids.
John didn’t realize the severity of his hearing loss until he had the chance to try a hearing aid at an event, and the difference felt like night and day. Now hearing aids are an integral part of his daily routine.
John is vocal about his love for hearing technology and encourages others to get the support they deserve.
Break the Stigma Around Hearing Loss–Schedule an Appointment Today
From award-winning actors to world-renowned musicians, these public figures have embraced hearing support as a way to stay connected, confident, and active in their daily lives. Their experiences reinforce a powerful truth: addressing hearing loss is not something to delay or avoid.
Hearing aids can be a life-changing tool that empowers you to continue living life on your terms. If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, consider this your reminder that you’re not alone and that support is available.
Schedule an appointment at NewSound Hearing Centers in San Antonio to take the first step toward taking control of your hearing health.