Phil Collins is one of the most recognisable voices in music. As the drummer and lead singer of Genesis, and later as a solo artist, he’s given us unforgettable songs like ‘In the Air Tonight’, ‘Against All Odds’ and ‘You’ll Be in My Heart’. Over his long career, he’s sold more than 100 million records and earned a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
But behind his incredible success, Collins has faced a deeply personal challenge – hearing loss.
When the World Goes Quiet
In the early 2000s, Collins noticed something worrying. During a recording session in LA, the sound in his left ear suddenly faded – not gradually but all at once. He later described it as if someone had “pulled a plug.”
Many of our clients at The Hearing Care Centre describe similar moments. They notice the television seems quieter or that they’re struggling to follow conversations at family gatherings, but they often brush it off, hope it will improve on its own or put it down to ears blocked with wax. Collins initially did the same but when his hearing didn’t return, he sought medical help and was diagnosed with sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
The Emotional Impact
For Phil, losing part of his hearing was frightening and frustrating. As a musician, sound wasn’t just a job – it was part of who he was. He spoke later about the isolation that can come from not hearing properly especially in social situations. Many of us can relate to that, nodding along in a conversation to be polite, even though we’ve missed half of what was said.
Adapting and Moving Forward
Thankfully, with treatment and time Collins regained some of his hearing. But the experience changed how he worked. He became more careful about protecting his ears, using specialist in-ear monitors on stage and keeping sound levels lower.
He also became more open about his hearing struggles, helping his fans realise that hearing loss can happen to anyone and that getting help is the most important step.
Collins story is one many people quietly share. It can be tempting to ignore but hearing changes rarely fix themselves. Like Phil, seeking help early can make all the difference allowing you to stay connected to the people and experiences you love.
At The Hearing Care Centre, we offer hearing assessments, personalised hearing solutions and on-going support. Book your appointment today and be more Phil!
