I play the piano daily and am especially interested in Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. You probably know about Beethoven’s deafness. But why did he develop the condition? A new study provides clues. Beethoven’s Deafness: A Hair-Raising Discovery.
But I don’t want to retell how one of history’s most important music composers lost his hearing.
I also want to share a few lessons we can take away from the discovery of high levels of lead in Beethoven’s hair.
Beethoven on Beethoven
After 200 years, toxic substances were discovered in Beethoven’s hair, which not only illuminated his deafness but also offered a cautionary tale about the dangers of lead exposure and the importance of safe everyday habits.
First, here is the composer musing about his misfortune of going deaf:
“My misfortune is doubly painful because it will result in my being misunderstood. There can be no recreation in the company of others, no intelligent conversation, no exchange of information with peers; only the most pressing needs can make me venture into society. I am obliged to live like an outcast.”
― Ludwig van Beethoven
Beethoven, The Piano and Me
With age, I feel increasingly connected to the composers when I play the piano music of Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart.
It seems similar, at least in some ways, to caring for a patient with cancer.
I encounter a complex challenge demanding focus and meticulous attention to detail.
Beethoven’s music often reflects the resilience of the human spirit in the face of immense adversity. I see such strength every day in my clinical practice.
Medicine and Beethoven take me on emotional journeys.
Sounds grand at first glance, but my suffering family prefers me to practice—with headphones—on my silent piano!
Let’s get to the new findings about Beethoven’s deafness.
Nearing Death – Beethoven’s Deafness: A Hair-Raising Discovery
In March 1827, Ludwig van Beethoven, the famous composer, was nearing his death.
He was distraught with stomach pain and had a yellowish skin tone.
Worried friends and admirers came to see him, with some asking for a lock of his hair as a memento.
Post-mortem Visits – Beethoven’s Deafness: A Hair-Raising Discovery
I found the next developments remarkable (and disturbing).
Even after he died at 56, visitors still came.
Doctors opened his skull to examine Beethoven’s brain; they even took out the remarkably small ear bones.
Why? Folks wanted to understand why the composer had lost his hearing.
In 2023, Gina Kolata wrote this:
“By the third day after Beethoven’s death, his head had no hair left. This stripping was a testament to people’s deep respect and curiosity for him.”
For many years, researchers have been trying to unravel the mysteries surrounding Beethoven’s illnesses and the cause of his death.
Closer to Solving The Mystery
One of history’s greatest mysteries: Why did Beethoven lose his hearing?
On top of that, he also suffered terribly from these symptoms:
- constant stomach cramps
- bloating
- diarrhea.
When did the master begin to lose his hearing?
The problem started in his mid-to-late 20s, and by his mid-40s, he was completely deaf.
Analysis of Beethoven’s Hair
Enter the detectives at Mayo Clinic (USA).
This Minnesota medical facility has a metals laboratory that can test urine and blood samples for heavy metals.
Think arsenic, lead, and mercury.
Over a year ago, scientists mapped Beethoven’s genetic code using preserved hair strands.
This analysis revealed a higher risk for liver problems in his genes, but it wasn’t a definitive answer.
This finding led researchers to explore another possibility: toxic heavy metals.
Since these toxins can build up in hair, they wondered if exposure to them might have contributed to Beethoven’s health issues.
Hair Analysis – Beethoven’s Deafness: A Hair-Raising Discovery
Analyzing the hair samples revealed a shocking discovery:
One lock of Beethoven’s hair contained a whopping 258 micrograms of lead per gram, while the other had an even higher level at 380 micrograms.
A healthy level of lead in hair is less than four micrograms per gram.
Beethoven had been exposed to very high amounts of lead.
Beethoven loved wine, a beverage that historically had high lead levels.
It wasn’t uncommon to add lead acetate to less expensive wines to add a sweeter flavor to the wine. Moreover, he drank from a goblet partially made of wine.
Some medical treatments incorporated lead.
In essence, everyday items and practices of the past could have unknowingly exposed him to dangerous levels of lead.
What can we learn from Beethoven’s tragic health issues?
1. Lead is Dangerous
The hair analysis highlights the dangers of lead exposure, even in historical contexts. Lead poisoning can have a devastating impact on health, including hearing loss.
It reminds me to be vigilant about potential lead exposure, especially in older homes, lead-based paint, and certain products.
2. Safe Food and Drink Containers Matter
The potential source of lead in Beethoven’s case points to the importance of using safe food and drink containers.
I avoid lead-glazed pottery or using lead-free alternatives.
Modern regulations have addressed lead in consumer products, but it’s still important to be aware of potential risks, especially when dealing with antiques or historical items.
3. Unforeseen Consequences of Everyday Habits
Beethoven’s situation highlights how seemingly harmless everyday habits, like enjoying wine stored in specific containers, can have long-term health consequences.
It encourages me to be mindful of hidden dangers in my daily routines and make informed choices to protect my health.
Microplastics come to mind, but I will save that discussion for another day.
Thank you for reading “Beethoven’s Deafness: A Hair-Raising Discovery.”
