[Exclusive]Eight consecutive days of marital relations aftermath? Bae Ki-seong: "The real cause of sudden hearing loss is..." [Comprehensive Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

"What cannot be seen is a disconnection from objects, but what cannot be heard is a disconnection from people."

These are the words of Helen Keller, an American social activist who lost her sight and hearing at 19 months of age. Hearing loss has a profound impact on human relationships.

Recently diagnosed with sudden hearing loss and currently recovering, singer Bae Ki-seong (54) revealed, "It's very stressful when I can't hear well. I end up pretending to hear even when I can't, and I become hesitant to ask again, so I avoid conversations." Yet, he added, "Please don't write about it too seriously. All my events will be canceled," maintaining his characteristic cheerfulness.

Bae Ki-seong gave a telephone interview to StarNews on the 28th. He said, "Please don't worry too much. It's not such a serious situation," and shared his recent condition, "As I've gotten older, recovery has been slower, but I'm gradually improving while receiving treatment." He added, "I am undergoing both Western and Eastern medicine treatments, along with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and herbal medicine, and I am slowly getting better."

He also opened up about the causes of sudden hearing loss. Bae Ki-seong explained, "I tend to shout a lot when singing, so I've always worked by setting the volume much higher during recording than other singers. The habit of recording with high accompaniment volume has been ingrained for 30 years. After performances or recordings, I would have tinnitus every evening. This lifestyle continued for decades, so it seems to have strained my ears. Recently, I've been recording YouTube covers every week."

Currently, he only uses his left ear for phone calls. He stated, "My left ear is fine, but my right ear fluctuates between hearing and not hearing. The imbalance is uncomfortable," and added, "The more severe the tinnitus becomes, the worse it feels that I can't hear."

On the 27th, Bae Ki-seong appeared on the TV Chosun variety program 'Love Broker of Joseon,' revealing that he is undergoing treatment for sudden hearing loss. During the broadcast, he said, "It's been three months since the symptoms appeared. If there's no improvement within six months, I could be diagnosed with a disability," evoking sympathy.

Even in difficult circumstances, he maintained a bright demeanor, and after the broadcast, a flood of support poured in.

He said, "I received many DMs (direct messages) after the broadcast," and added, "I found that many people are experiencing hearing loss, more than I expected. Through this broadcast, many people reacted as if sharing the same plight, saying, 'I need to get treatment too.'" He further noted, "I heard that many singers and actors also complain about hearing loss. These days, since many people listen to music through earphones, even young children are experiencing it a lot."

He first confessed to his hearing loss on the 9th of last month, also mentioning the possibility that excessive marital relations had an impact. At that time, he said, "I went to Han (Rep.), and they said I used 200-300% of my strength," and added, "I got stimulated and thought, 'I need to have a child,' so I asked about my ovulation day and had (marital relations) every day for eight days." He married his wife Lee Eun-bi, who is 12 years younger, in November 2017. They have no children.

Regarding this, he said, "I cannot definitively say there is a direct connection, but it is true that I overexerted myself at that time," and revealed, "I think I forgot my age while trying to conceive naturally."

He also suggested that his rapid weight loss may have had an impact. Having lost 18 kg at the time, he explained, "I lost weight so rapidly that my body lacked nutrients. In the midst of that, I tried my last natural pregnancy and overexerted myself. Then I recorded (YouTube) covers in the evening, and the next day I went camping. I think I slept too coldly inside the tent. After that, my ears became like this."

During the broadcast, it was mentioned that if symptoms persist for more than six months, a hearing disability diagnosis could be made, raising the possibility of hearing aids or cochlear implant surgery. However, Bae Ki-seong said, "I have no plans for surgery," and added, "I don't think I'm at that stage yet." He has not given up hope for a second child. When asked about his plans for a second child, he replied, "I have to," and laughed, saying, "On the broadcast, they said I was going to die as a dad while trying to make a baby."

Bae Ki-seong faces difficulties due to his hearing loss but continues his activities steadily. He stated, "Monitoring while singing is not easy, so there is discomfort, but fortunately, since I've been singing for 30 years, it doesn't show on the outside. I keep singing while paying close attention."

Furthermore, he confessed that as his hearing worsened, he more acutely realized the preciousness of his ears.

Bae Ki-seong emphasized, "Your eyes, ears, nose, and mouth didn't just appear naturally; they came because they are absolutely necessary. Don't take them for granted; you must truly cherish and take good care of them," and added, "For young friends, it seems best not to wear earphones as much as possible. You must manage them well on a daily basis."

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*This content was translated by AI.