Pete Tong, the veteran DJ who helped bring dance music to the mainstream, has spoken about the hearing loss he has suffered after decades in the industry. The 65-year-old, who still presents a weekly show on BBC Radio 1, was diagnosed with hearing loss in his right ear about 10 years ago. He now uses earplugs while working and has tried hearing aids, though he does not need them all the time.
Tong said he was conscious of the stigma around hearing aids, particularly in an industry that prizes youth. 'People think you're old if you need a hearing aid,' he said. 'But then I'm not 20 any more.' He has partnered with Boots Hearingcare to encourage people to protect their hearing and get tested, urging 'relapsed ravers' to view audiological tests as routine as visiting the optician.
Despite the challenges, Tong said he feels 'blessed and lucky' to still be DJing at 65. He reflected on the early days of dance music in the 1980s, saying nobody thought about how long the party would last. 'When you start, you never think you're going to be doing it for that long,' he said. Last year, he had more gigs than he has had for ages.
Tong also discussed the evolution of dance music, from its underground roots to mainstream popularity. He acknowledged that raising awareness of hearing loss is not as glamorous as bringing rave culture to the masses, but said it is important for longevity. 'So they can rave for as long as possible,' he added.
