Rush Limbaugh has lost his hearing.

EIB Network ^ | 1:10 PM, Monday, October 8, 2001 | Rush Limbaugh

[SlickWillard]

He had been hinting for several months that he had some sort of health problem.

You can send him a note here:

rush@eibnet.com

[IceGirl2]

I think that when historians have a clear look at the 20th century there will be two great men: Winston Churchill and Rush. Rush was there in 1991 to open the eyes of America to the danger of Clinton. I am amazed to think back on how he was right on every point. He warned about how a man with no character could harm America. He never wavered. He never faltered. Even when we dittoheads wanted him to go in a different direction, he steered the ship to the main point. His instincts and knowledge of history and human nature were the spearhead that was needed to make Americans wake up and take a real look at Clinton. I cannot bear to think about what Clinton would have done if all of us--and in particular Rush--had not been paying attention.

I will listen to Rush whether he can hear or not. He doesn't need ears. He's got a brain that I think people are only now beginning to truly appreciate. There will be lots of people going back to look on the Clinton years--on how Clinton sold out America and attempted to destroy our value. But every time they look they will find Rush standing there pointing a finger, calling out to all of us to be deligent and to pay watch and be suspicious of Clinton and his people.

And mostly, when Rush said that he knew George W and that he knew he had the makings of a great President--he was right on target. God bless Rush. God bless George W.

[IceGirl2]

I think that when historians have a clear look at the 20th century there will be two great men: Winston Churchill and Rush. Rush was there in 1991 to open the eyes of America to the danger of Clinton. I am amazed to think back on how he was right on every point. He warned about how a man with no character could harm America. He never wavered. He never faltered. Even when we dittoheads wanted him to go in a different direction, he steered the ship to the main point. His instincts and knowledge of history and human nature were the spearhead that was needed to make Americans wake up and take a real look at Clinton. I cannot bear to think about what Clinton would have done if all of us--and in particular Rush--had not been paying attention.

I will listen to Rush whether he can hear or not. He doesn't need ears. He's got a brain that I think people are only now beginning to truly appreciate. There will be lots of people going back to look on the Clinton years--on how Clinton sold out America and attempted to destroy our value. But every time they look they will find Rush standing there pointing a finger, calling out to all of us to be deligent and to pay watch and be suspicious of Clinton and his people.

And mostly, when Rush said that he knew George W and that he knew he had the makings of a great President--he was right on target. God bless Rush. God bless George W.

[Marauder]

I heard him announce this today. After a prayer for him and his family, I remembered an old friend, a professional musician, who had this same thing (whether it's the exact same illness, I don't know), and I reflected on my own good fortune.

Then I started thinking about how he could continue with his show with voice recognition software. After some practice on his part, the text of his caller's comments could just display on the monitor.

What about it? Anyone else see that as workable?

[Democrats are liars]

phaedo member since September 12th, 2001

[firewalk]

God Bless Rush and America.

Mega Dittos!

[LS]

Please tell me Hildabeast has come down with Ebola. Please. Some light in this dark day.

[LS]

Exactly, re your comments to "votes."

No, he didn't lie. He said his voice was just fine. (It is). He likely didn't notice any changes brought on by medication.

I am more proud today of the fact that I stood by him when you "votes" and other bashers were whining about Rush, when in fact he was doing an incredible job of merely showing up for work, likely blitzed on meds.

Finally, to confirm what Terriergal says, I know personally someone who has a serious, incurable, usually degenerative disease who doesn't publicize it precisely BECAUSE people start to treat you differently, even if you don't change in your physical abilities at all. Friends of this person suddenly didn't "hang out" any more when they found out. Tough diseases, like Parkinson's or MS, or other unnamed illnesses are harder on friends sometimes because they, out of guilt or pity---neither of which are appropriate---don't know how to act.

[TexasBarak]

I couldn't focus on one thing, like the tv or someone talking without all the other sounds getting in the way, like the a/c blowing or cars driving by. I'm alright now, but still not the same. Too much racket gets on my nerves.

Boy, can I sympathise with this one! I have some pretty bad hearing damage (luckily, i'm only unable to hear the higher registers). Mine was due to rock concerts, big diesel engines, and an unfortunate encounter with a grenade simulator.

I was shocked to hear what Rush had to say today, and I really feel for him. I'm proud of him for continuing on. My guess is that he's hired a court reporter to "notate" what the callers say, with software to convert the machine's shorthand to regular text on his screen.

[cricket]

"That explains the quacking-like tone of his voice, which is typical of how deaf people sound to others."

Pulleeeze! . . .and any others who characterize Rush's voice as damaged goods, so to speak; it simply is not true.

A little civility; not to mention 'fair and accurate'; would help. Of course, do understand, that it is in the 'ear' of the beholder. . .

Rush's voice has changed only slightly, a mellower timbre, I think. . .but for a 'famous' always recognizeable voice to his listeners; 'slight' change takes on a much larger dimension and impact.

The truth is, if you never had heard Rush until today, you would think he had a great radio voice. His voice sounds a little off the familiar tone, but no more than if he may have had an allergy or a slight cold. . .had thought both; also thought he had just changed 'up' perhaps, his 'Golden Microphone'.

Who could EVER have guessed, listening to him these past weeks and hearing him today, that this would be his news this afternoon.

Rush IS amazing. I know he will continue to amaze and inform us all.

[LS]

Absolutely not. I think he thinks that if he can't do something, well, too bad. Society shouldn't punish others for his bad luck.

[LS]

Swamp, chill. You know quite well that 99% of those commenting on Rush's voice had no concern whatsoever for his health---they were doing so hoping he was becoming a drunk, or a druggie, or had cancer. You are in the tiny minority of those who were genuinely interested in the GOOD health of the man.

[Sungirl]

I am still numb....I hope to GOd he can recover as we all need him....he is our voice and teacher.

For some reason I can't help but believe he caught a virus from the ocean.....there is so much crap(literally and figuratively) that floats up on the shore (wood from rafts,etc) and they keep closing the beaches all the time from bacteria overload. It just wouldn't surprise me.

[Tennessee_Bob]

OMG - what would cause something like this?

It's a Vast Left Wing Conspiracy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sueann]

You want FACTS - heard Rush talking about it today - also, go to www.rushlimbaugh.com and read it for yourself.

[dalebert]

freeped Rush just to let him know freepers are thinking of him.

[wku man]

Yeah, bro, I've taken a few shots at him over the years, but I'm still proud to say I'm a dittohead. Rush, you've been more important to this nation than you'll ever know. God bless you, sir.

[ICU812]

In high school I used to watch his tv show at night and I subscribed to his newsletter. I even had a teacher that called me "Rush Jr.". After I graduated I got a job where I drove around all day and I listened to him often.

I don't listen to him much anymore but I credit him and Robert Ringer for setting me on the right path at a critical age. I'm sending prayers his way.

But even if, GOD forbid, he should totally lose his hearing I think we can look forward to his becoming a columnist like his brother.

[Sidebar Moderator]

I am locking the thread to do some cleanup. WAY too many flames and such on here.

Posting to the thread will be allowed later. Everyone involved in the flame war, take this time to think better of it.

[Captain America]

But we can hear you El Rushbo.

Never give up.