Part 2: Mystery of Beethoven’s Deafness

Upon knowing about Beethoven’s hearing loss, people might ask why he became deaf.

In recent scientific studies that examined Ludwig van Beethoven’s hair strain, the scientists have discovered extremely high levels of lead and other toxic metals.

Confirmed to be Beethoven’s hair through modern DNA analysis, the samples contained far more lead than the average. This discovery led many researchers to infer that his hearing loss and other health-related issues likely arose from this chronic exposure to lead.

The study, taken place at the Mayo Clinic, also showed increased arsenic and mercury composition in Beethoven’s hair. The experts note how continued exposure to such toxic materials can damage one’s nervous system, leading to symptoms such as hearing loss, stomach pain, and others.

The scientists predict that wine was the major cause of Beethoven's deafness. Back in the 19th century, to affordably sweeten the wine’s taste, lead acetate was often included during the production process. The fact that Beethoven drank about a bottle of wine a day adds to this assumption.

​Others also claim that the medical treatments and metal utensils of the time could have influenced Beethoven’s deafness.​

Although the study cannot 100% prove the exact cause of his deafness, the recent findings suggest that lead poisoning was likely a major factor in Beethoven’s health struggles.