Explain why Beethoven became deaf?

Origins of auditory symptoms in Beethoven

Beethoven began to have hearing problems around 1798, when he was about 28 years old. At first, he experienced ringing and a bothersome sensation of buzzing. It gradually worsened, and he even had difficulty hearing high-pitched voices or soft sounds. As the symptoms progressed, Beethoven felt an unpleasant sensation of pressure in his ears. Soon, the ambient noise became extremely bothersome, and he ended up isolating himself to avoid discomfort. These initial symptoms, which were bothersome at first, heralded the onset of major hearing issues that would follow Beethoven throughout his life.

Common medical hypotheses about the causes of his hearing loss

Doctors and historians still question the exact reasons behind Beethoven's deafness, but certain explanations often come up. Many suggest otosclerosis, a condition that affects the small bones in the inner ear, preventing sound vibrations from passing through properly. There is also frequent mention of possible lead poisoning, as recent analyses of his hair showed high levels of this toxic metal. Others mention autoimmune diseases or a possible chronic and poorly treated infection in the inner ear. Overall, the exact truth remains unclear, but there are some serious leads.

Environmental influences and personal habits

At the time of Beethoven, medicine was approximate, and the treatments offered could be quite dangerous. He himself often took strong doses of mercury-based medications or lead (which was frequently used in the past) to treat various health issues. Naturally, these toxic substances did not help his ear condition at all. Beethoven also loved wine, and excessive alcohol consumption may have gradually deteriorated his hearing. In terms of lifestyle, he worked in noisy environments, often surrounded by very loud sounds related to musical performances and rehearsals. Over time, all these combined factors likely contributed to the composer's hearing decline.

Progressive evolution towards total deafness

Beethoven began to notice the first signs of hearing loss around the age of 26, initially as buzzing or difficulties in hearing clearly, especially high-pitched sounds. Over time, these issues became more frequent and then permanent. By the age of 30, he often struggled to follow a normal conversation. Ten years later, he had to use conversation notebooks where his interlocutors wrote down what they were saying to him. By the time he was over fifty, he was plunged into profound and almost total deafness: no known medical treatment at the time had worked. Despite several attempts at remedies, diets, or bizarre treatments, Beethoven gradually fell into complete silence. This slow evolution, frustrating for him, did not stop him: the composer continued to create some of his most powerful works during this period when he could hear nothing at all.

Impact of hearing loss on Beethoven's musical works

The gradual loss of hearing had a paradoxical effect on Beethoven: it cut him off from the outside world, forcing his imagination to become even more intense. He turned more toward his inner life, which is clearly reflected in his late compositions. His music became bolder, more introspective, and sometimes even experimental. For example, his last string quartets are highly innovative, with radical harmonies and an ultra-personal expression. Deafness ultimately granted him an extraordinary creative freedom, as he composed without directly worrying about the judgment of the public or the auditory constraints of everyday life. It was during this period that he created timeless masterpieces, such as the famous Ninth Symphony with its renowned "Ode to Joy," which he never had the chance to hear.