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LOS ANGELES, October 8, 2001 –
Rush Limbaugh announced on his show today that he has
lost 100 percent of his hearing in one ear and 80 percent
in the other. Saying that he wanted his listeners to
get it straight from him, he explained that signs of
the hearing loss began on May 29, 2001 and have steadily
worsened.
A thorough diagnosis of what caused the rapid hearing
loss is still under discussion by medical specialists
he has consulted nationwide. Limbaugh will continue
to pursue a diagnosis.
He affirmed his commitment to his daily broadcast with
the help of sophisticated technology currently in place.
As he said on today’s program, he will be away
from his microphone, from time to time, to consult other
specialists and undergo further tests.
He is currently taking prescribed medication in an
attempt to stem the loss of the remaining 20 percent
of his hearing. There are no plans to alter the Rush
Limbaugh format. He will continue to broadcast Mon.-Fri.
live from noon-3pm ET, providing listeners with his
unique commentary and live phone calls.
In addition, he acknowledged that there have been many
questions about the quality of his voice in recent months.
He said he is not certain that the hearing condition
has affected his voice, but allowed that it may have.
“My energy level is as normal as it has always
been,” said Limbaugh.
“Premiere Radio Networks is committed to airing
the Rush Limbaugh broadcast through 2009,” said
Kraig T. Kitchin, COO and president of Premiere Radio
Networks.
Limbaugh, who is heard on nearly 600 stations by 20
million listeners, assured his audience that he would
continue to update them on his condition.
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