As a musicologist with a deep interest in the life and works of Ludwig van Beethoven, I am well-versed in the intricacies of his personal struggles, including his battle with deafness. Beethoven's gradual loss of hearing is one of the most poignant aspects of his life, as it stands in stark contrast to his immense contributions to the world of music.

Beethoven's hearing problems began to manifest in his late twenties, with the first signs appearing around 1796, as noted by Doctor Marage after an extensive study of Beethoven's letters. These initial symptoms were characterized by buzzing noises and other auditory disturbances. It is believed that Beethoven's hearing impairment was a result of a combination of factors, including possible lead poisoning from his environment, the effects of a childhood illness, and genetic predisposition.

By 1798, Beethoven's hearing loss had become more pronounced, and it is estimated that he had lost approximately 60% of his hearing by 1801. This period of his life was marked by significant emotional turmoil, as evidenced by his famous "Heiligenstadt Testament," a letter he wrote to his brothers but never sent, which reveals his despair and thoughts of suicide due to his deteriorating condition.

Despite his hearing loss, Beethoven continued to compose music, and it was during this time that he created some of his most renowned works, such as the Symphony No. 3 "Eroica" and the Piano Sonata No. 23 "Appassionata." His ability to compose at such a high level of creativity and complexity, even as his hearing declined, is a testament to his genius and determination.

Beethoven's hearing continued to deteriorate over the years, and by 1816, he was completely deaf. This did not stop him from composing, however. He relied on his extraordinary musical memory and intuition to continue creating music. His later works, such as the Symphony No. 9 "Choral" and the late string quartets, are considered some of the most profound and innovative in Western classical music.

It is important to note that Beethoven's deafness was not an overnight occurrence but a gradual process that spanned over two decades. His resilience and ability to adapt to his condition, coupled with his unwavering passion for music, allowed him to overcome the limitations imposed by his deafness and leave an indomitable legacy in the world of music.

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According to Doctor Marage, who has studied Beethoven's letters, buzzing noises and other sounds started at around 1796. Deafness broke out in 1798 and Beethoven had lost 60% of his hearing by 1801. In 1816 he was completely deaf.read more >>