The Voice UK coach will.i.am has opened up about his health battle, warning that his tinnitus symptoms are "gradually getting worse". The musician, real name William James Adams Jr, first found fame as a member of the Black Eyed Peas and has been a regular on the ITV singing contest since its first series in 2012. He is now the show's longest-serving judge.
Living with constant ringing
Tinnitus is described by the NHS as hearing sounds that are not caused by an external source. Sufferers can experience symptoms such as ringing, whooshing or buzzing noises, and even the sound of music or singing.
Will.i.am has been candid about how much the condition affects his daily life, telling The Sun: "I don't know what silence sounds like any more," before adding: "Music is the only thing which eases my pain."
He told the publication: "I can't be quiet, as that's when I notice the ringing in my ears. There's always a beep there every day, all day. I don't know exactly how long I've had this, but it's gradually getting worse."
Previous comments on the condition
The TV judge previously appeared on Loose Women in January 2020 to discuss his tinnitus. At the time he shared: "For any job, whether you're playing sports you're gonna have bad knees or bad ankles... anything that requires you to be in these types of environments something is gonna go weak. For me it's like that 'eeee'."
He clarified that it did not impact his ability to hear or process music, adding: "No, not at all. I'm not hearing impaired. I went to my ear, nose and throat guy and he was like 'Well, you've gotta turn down the music'. I'm like 'Well then I can't hear it'. The whole point of music is turning it up."
Other health matters
Tinnitus is not the only health matter will.i.am has spoken about publicly. He previously told the Daily Mail that he does not view his ADHD as a flaw, explaining how he has learned to manage the condition over the years.
He said: "I've suffered from ADHD for years. But I've learned how to control it. I can talk, look at that person, think about what I have to do now and what am I going to eat later."
Tinnitus UK runs a free helpline for anyone experiencing symptoms of the condition. You can get in touch with them via 0800 018 0527.
