John Mellencamp Fears He’ll Be “Totally Deaf”—But Says He Won’t Wear Hearing Aids

John Mellencamp is opening up about hearing problems that have made everyday conversations difficult, revealing that persistent ringing and the sound of his own heartbeat can overwhelm his ability to hear others.

Speaking on the Nepo, Baby! podcast alongside his son Hud, the 75-year-old "Jack & Diane" singer described struggling in noisy restaurants and expressed concern about how much worse his hearing could become. Despite those difficulties, he said he remains unwilling to use hearing aids.

"I'll probably be totally deaf by the time the tour's over," Mellencamp said, according to PEOPLE's coverage of the October 29 conversation. The remark was his own prediction; the report did not establish a medical prognosis of complete hearing loss.

For Mellencamp, the effects extend beyond performing. He described restaurant noise making it difficult to follow conversation, with ringing in his ears adding another obstacle. He also said he experiences pulsatile tinnitus, describing it as hearing his heartbeat.

His resistance to hearing aids stems from advice his grandmother gave him years ago. Mellencamp recalled her warning about becoming dependent on the devices and having another essential item to keep track of alongside glasses, keys, and a wallet. He said he wears earplugs but remains opposed to hearing aids.

The candid conversation comes during a year in which Mellencamp has continued celebrating his songwriting career. PEOPLE reports that he completed his Dancing Words Tour - The Greatest Hits dates in August and released John Mellencamp: The Songbook: 50 Years of Songs and Poetry in September, featuring a foreword by Stephen King.