John Mellencamp Fears Tour Will Leave Him Completely Deaf

WHO:

US Magazine - John Mellencamp, 75, discussed his hearing and tour on the “Nepo, Baby” podcast.

Fox News - John Mellencamp said he expects to be “probably totally deaf” by the end of his upcoming tour.

Fox News - Mellencamp cited his grandmother’s advice when explaining why he refuses hearing aids.

Epoch Times Entertainment - John Mellencamp was pictured performing at Acrisure Amphitheater; the photo was credited to Scott Legato/Getty Images for Live Nation.

WHAT:

US Magazine - Mellencamp said, “I’ll probably be totally deaf by the time the tour’s over.”

US Magazine - He said he wears earplugs, but the available excerpt ends before completing what he said about them.

Fox News - Mellencamp’s hearing problems are worsening, and he refuses to use hearing aids.

Epoch Times Entertainment - The article described Mellencamp’s hearing loss as continuing to progress.

WHERE:

Epoch Times Entertainment - Mellencamp performed at Acrisure Amphitheater in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

WHY:

Fox News - Mellencamp cited his grandmother’s advice as the reason he refuses hearing aids.

HOW:

US Magazine - Mellencamp said he wears earplugs.

Fox News - The Fox News excerpt characterizes his hearing problems as worsening but does not specify how they are progressing.

(UPDATED November 1, 2026 01:04 UTC)

John Mellencamp says his hearing is worsening and he may be totally deaf after his tour. He refuses hearing aids, citing his grandmother’s advice, but says he wears earplugs. Mellencamp discussed his hearing and upcoming tour on the “Nepo, Baby” podcast.