Is it true that Beethoven had syphilis and that's why he lost his hearing??

Answer 1

Ludwig van Beethoven (IPA: [ˈlʊtvɪç va:n ˈbe:tovən], baptized December 17, 1770 – March 26, 1827) was a German composer. He is generally regarded as one of the greatest composers in the history of music, and was the predominant figure in the transitional period between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western classical music. His reputation and genius have inspired — and in many cases intimidated — ensuing generations of composers, musicians, and audiences. While primarily known today as a composer, he was also a celebrated pianist and conductor, and an accomplished violinist.

Around 1796, Beethoven began to lose his hearing. He suffered a severe form of tinnitus, a "roar" in his ears that made it hard for him to perceive and appreciate music; he would also avoid conversation. The cause of Beethoven's deafness is unknown, but it has variously been attributed to syphilis, beatings from his father, lead poisoning, typhus, and even his habit of immersing his head in cold water to stay awake. The oldest explanation, from the autopsy of the time, is that he had a "distended inner ear" which developed lesions over time.

Russell Martin has shown from analysis done on a sample of Beethoven's hair that there were alarmingly high levels of lead in Beethoven's system. High concentrations of lead can lead to bizarre and erratic behaviour, including rages. Another symptom of lead poisoning is deafness. In Beethoven's time, lead was used widely without an understanding of the damage it could cause. It was used in sweetening wine, in finishes on porcelain dishes, and even in medicines. The investigation of this link was detailed in the book Beethoven's Hair: An Extraordinary Historical Odyssey and a Scientific Mystery Solved. However, while the likelihood of lead poisoning is very high, the deafness associated with it seldom takes the form that Beethoven exhibited.

However, Professeur Porot and Doctor Miermont Bring up Beethoven's deafness in their study from 1986 "Beethoven et les Malentendus".

The authors state: "... In particular, we will never know the state of the ossicles...". Nevertheless, going by Beethoven's writings - the dates and the symptoms he describes, they make the following observations: "...This is about the beginnings of deafness in a young man, without previous inflammation of the ear, and without hearing problems in the family, a progressive devolution, without improvement despite various remedies prescribed by his doctors..."

The two authors diagnose: "... either neurolabyrinthitis, or otospongiose (or labyrinthitis)...". And, concerning the probable cause, estimate: "... the great cause of deafness at the time: syphilis...", but it's never been proved that "... Beethoven would have been hit by syphilis by the end of his adolescence...".


In 1802, Beethoven became depressed, and considered committing suicide.

Answer 2

There is actually considerable evidence AGAINST Beethoven having had syphilis, if you know anything about his (disastrous) love life.

Beethoven was a man of high moral standards. His relationships with several women of the nobility, eg Josephine Deym and Antonie Brentano (widely acknowledged to be the 'Immortal Beloved' whom Beethoven's famous letter was dedicated) did not work out. In the case of Josephine, surviving letters between her and Beethoven indicated that they longed for each other but could not marry; yet they would not have carnal relations out of marriage.

Later in life, Beethoven was a devout Christian, claiming that there was no better alternative to Christian schools which to send his nephew Karl to. All the more he would not have had any flings which would cause him to contract syphilis.

Hence Beethoven's 'syphilis' is the same as the famous story of Antonio Salieri poisoning his rival Mozart: a mere rumour. Schubert, on the other hand, died from syphilis.

Answer 3

Beethoven was a musician of great skill and ability. He had no need to hear his music by banging it out on a piano. Like many great composers, he could hear it in his mind's ear, and put it down directly on the page. Even moderately skilled musicians have this ability to some extent. I have heard this story, but I am pretty certain it is apocryphal. I'm voting with Mr. Jones' party on this ticket. Cheers to all, G.

Answer 4

No that's some goon rumor. He had lead poisoning, not syphilis. Trust me! He lost his hearing, well who knows for sure but God. But I believe it because his father use to beat him and hit him in the head when he was a boy.

Answer 5

Whoever gave thumbs down to Vigorous is absolutely incorrect. You can Google it and not get as thorough of an answer as the above answerer gave. Syphilis has never been proven and they still find his death and his hearing loss a great mystery.

Answer 6

It is true that he had syphilis, but some say his deafness was partially from that, and partially from other things like typhus and being beaten-up by his father in his youth (and lead poisoning - in the blood).