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Letters from Beethoven to his friends in 1801 indicate he had begun experiencing ringing (tinnitus) and deafness in his ears for at least the past three years, since around 1797 - 1798, at the age of 26 or 27.

It is believed that lead poisoning caused his deafness, as well as causing his many stomach ailments, and ultimately led to his premature death.

By 1815 (age 44), his condition had become "intolerable" and he could no longer perform in public, though he could still compose.

An excerpt from one of his letters. "...It is curious that in conversation there are people who do not notice my condition at all; since I have generally been absent-minded, they account for it in that way. Often I can scarcely hear someone speaking softly, the tones yes, but not the words. However, as soon as anyone shouts it becomes intolerable..."

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14y ago

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