Paul Simon Reflects on Hearing Loss and Retiring 'You Can Call Me Al'

The music legend, now 83, discusses how hearing impairment has reshaped his performances and his hope for breakthroughs in hearing loss research.

Paul Simon has retired his iconic 1986 hit 'You Can Call Me Al' due to significant hearing loss, which has left him with only 6% hearing in his left ear.
The hearing loss began four years ago during the recording of his 2023 album 'Seven Psalms' and has forced him to adapt his performances to quieter, acoustic arrangements.
Simon is collaborating with the Stanford Initiative to Cure Hearing Loss, where researchers are exploring gene therapy and drug treatments to regenerate damaged inner ear cells.
Despite his challenges, Simon remains optimistic about returning to full-length concerts and continues to find inspiration in his creative process, likening his persistence to Matisse's late-life artistic achievements.
The hearing loss has not diminished Simon's passion for music, as he continues to perform selectively and explore ways to overcome the limitations of his condition.