Chronological coverage updated 12th September 2026 17:13.
Update 1 · 12th September 2026
will.i.am Opens Up About Worsening Tinnitus and Managing ADHD
Musician and producer will.i.am, real name William James Adams Jr, has spoken candidly about his ongoing battle with tinnitus, warning that the hearing condition is progressively deteriorating over time. The Black Eyed Peas star, who has served as the longest-tenured coach on ITV's The Voice UK since the singing competition launched in 2012, revealed that constant noise affects his daily routine.
Tinnitus is defined by the National Health Service (NHS) as hearing sounds originating internally rather than from external sources, which can manifest as ringing, buzzing, whooshing, or tone-like noises. The producer described his symptoms as a continuous high-pitched sound that makes quiet environments difficult to navigate.
The Mirror reportedly quoted will.i.am (Musician and ITV judge) as saying: “I can't be quiet, as that's when I notice the ringing in my ears. There's always a beep there every day, all day. I don't know exactly how long I've had this, but it's gradually getting worse.”.
Work Environment and Additional Health Matters
During a prior appearance on Loose Women in January 2020, will.i.am likened the ailment to occupational physical wear seen in sports, noting that working continuously in loud studio settings inevitably exposes artists to strain. He clarified that while his hearing acuity remains intact, medical recommendations to lower volume levels conflict with his creative workflow.
The Mirror reportedly quoted will.i.am (Musician speaking on Loose Women in 2020) as saying: “No, not at all. I'm not hearing impaired. I went to my ear, nose and throat guy and he was like 'Well, you've gotta turn down the music'. I'm like 'Well then I can't hear it'. The whole point of music is turning it up.”.
In addition to tinnitus, the artist has publicly discussed living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Rather than viewing the diagnosis as a hindrance, he explained that he has developed strategies over several years to channel his focus across multiple tasks simultaneously during broadcast production and creative work.
- will.i.am's tinnitus causes a persistent high-pitched ringing that is gradually worsening over time.
- He uses continuous music playback as a primary coping mechanism to mask the sound.
- Tinnitus UK operates a free support helpline at 0800 018 0527 for affected individuals.
