Beethoven's Hearing Loss and Chronic Ailments

Beethoven's infamous deafness and other chronic ailments he suffered from are investigated in this episode. Autopsy records and recent genetic testing provide insights into the potential causes of his hearing loss. Beethoven's early loss of hearing impacted his career as a composer, yet he continued to compose some of his famous works despite being completely deaf. Various attempts were made to improve his hearing, such as using adaptive aids and special pianos, but they were unsuccessful. The podcast explores the potential unifying diagnoses and theories associated with Beethoven's hearing loss, including Cogan syndrome and syphilis, highlighting the ongoing mystery surrounding his condition.