# AC/DC’s Brian Johnson reveals hearing loss was caused by bout of flu

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/ac-dcs-brian-johnson-reveals-hearing-loss-was-caused-by-bout-of-flu/
- Published: 2026-07-20T13:14:42+00:00
- Updated: 2026-07-31T02:15:09+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/ac-dc-brian-johnson-hearing-loss-caused-by-flu/
- Topics: Music

## Key points

- Brian Johnson links his hearing loss to flu.
- The condition halted AC/DC touring in 2016.
- He later returned with specialist hearing technology.

## Summary

AC/DC singer Brian Johnson has said that his hearing loss was caused by a bout of flu, rather than solely by years of performing loud rock music. The disclosure adds personal context to the health issue that forced him to stop touring with the band in 2016.

Johnson’s hearing problems led AC/DC to bring in Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose to complete that year’s tour. He later returned to performing after using specialised in-ear technology designed to help protect and manage his hearing.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.