Twenty Thousand Hertz

The Deaf Composer: How Beethoven wrote music he couldn’t hear

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Apr 30, 2025

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ANECDOTE

Beethoven's Heiligenstadt Testimony

Beethoven wrote the Heiligenstadt Testament, a letter revealing his despair over losing his hearing.
He contemplated ending his life but was held back by his art and desire to create music.

INSIGHT

Early Deafness Effects

Beethoven began losing hearing in his mid-20s, which caused tinnitus and loudness recruitment.
He stopped attending social functions to hide his worsening deafness, impacting his social life greatly.

ANECDOTE

Beethoven's Coping Techniques

Beethoven used conversation books to communicate by having others write in them while he responded by voice.
He relied on musical knowledge and physical sensation to compose despite his deafness.

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