Home / Arts and Entertainment / Groove Armada: DJs' Hearing Loss Sparks Stigma Debate
Groove Armada: DJs' Hearing Loss Sparks Stigma Debate
2 Sep
Summary
- Decades of loud music have led to hearing loss for Groove Armada duo.
- Tom Findlay uses hearing aids; Andy Cato suffers from tinnitus.
- The duo now advocate for hearing protection and reduced stigma.
Decades of exposure to extremely loud music have taken a toll on Groove Armada's Tom Findlay and Andy Cato, leading to significant hearing loss.
Findlay, 53, now uses hearing aids after struggling with hearing issues since his late 30s, noting the transformative effect and the societal stigma often attached to such devices. Cato, also 53, experiences constant tinnitus, a ringing in his ears, as a result of their immersive stage setups.
Both performers now wear hearing protection during DJ sets, significantly reducing the damage and preventing the ringing Cato still experiences. They aim to raise awareness about hearing loss and encourage the use of hearing protection and devices.
Groove Armada has partnered with Specsavers to promote an online hearing test for individuals over 50, with participants entered to win tickets to exclusive music events, including their headline set in London on October 15.
The duo, formed in 1996, continue to tour internationally, appealing to both original fans and younger audiences. Alongside their music careers, Cato manages a farm in France focused on regenerative agriculture, while Findlay, having previously worked as a therapist, now offers his services voluntarily.
