Image: Just the beginning -20- TOUR 2017 official website
After several years of dutifully performing with just one good ear to get her by, Japanese pop star Ayumi Hamasaki might soon go completely deaf.
Back in 2000, Hamasaki caught an infection on her left ear that steadily deteriorated, which eventually lead to a total loss of hearing in 2008. A recent blog post from Hamasaki herself revealed that her right ear has also begun to deteriorate, JpopAsia reports.
“I was told after various hearing tests that my right ear (which has been working overtime to compensate for the deafness of my left ear) is quickly weakening,” the 38-year-old pop star wrote.
For a performing artist, the reality of her total deafness is sure to be a hard pill to swallow and this is something that she also realized.
“I remember wondering how would I as a singer be able to cope with two useless ears. I was in the dark,” she said.
When Hamasaki was first diagnosed with an infection in her left ear during one of her concert tours, doctors advised her to reduce exposure to loud noise. However, she ignored the advice and returned to performing after just a few days of hospital stay.
Meanwhile, Hamasaki’s “Just the beginning -20- TOUR 2017” concert tour is underway in Japan, which started in May 13 and is scheduled to last until October 5. The loud music during each concert will surely put a lot of strain on her deteriorating right ear, but no news has been released with regards to changes in performance schedules.
Given her professional attitude when she was first told of her left ear, fans may be able to count on the dedication of this J-pop superstar to continue with the performances. Alfred Bayle/KI