Bloomberg Won't Say If He Wears Hearing Aids

Mayor Bloomberg was photographed yesterday wearing what appear to be hearing aids, but he refused to talk about the listening devices. While on a tour of the underground construction of the 7 train extension and later at a homeland security meeting, Bloomberg was spotted by the Daily News wearing flesh-colored devices in his ears that could be hearing aids, but also resemble ear plugs. Bloomberg—who turns 68 later this month—wouldn't talk about the hearing aids, and a mayoral spokesman declined to comment. According to 1010WINS, Bloomberg wasn't wearing anything in his ears at a press conference today, and when journalists asked him about hearing aids, he dodged the question, responding: "I couldn't hear what you had to say."

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By Ben Muessig in News on February 4, 2010 3:26 PM

Comments [rss]

ilovejapgirls

heard he's already bypassed a dozen others for ear transplant

Spirit of 76

If hearing aids could help him hear the frustration of the average man on the street in NYC, more power to him. Unfortunately, I don't think they help.

TheMactastic

It's probably a security device.

He probably pays for it himself.

AND

Who cares if he wears a hearing aide? He's already the mayor, cant do shit about it. You should have voted when you had the chance.

Geoelh

He should say so if he does, and stop acting like it's such a big deal. Millions of people are hard of hearing, deaf, Deaf, et c., and they have to contend with stigma in various ways. It wouldn't to know billionaires can be hard of hearing and successful at the same time.

Rocknrope

Little is known about Mike's "Death Metal" years.

NannyState

His nickname is "Whitesnake", after all.

GalBklyn

I find it interesting that there is still such a social issue with hearing aids. A guesstimate - but loads of people could not get by without their eye-glasses and or surgery to assist them each day. But then again I am biased - hearing impaired since age 5 - I have a hearing aid.

If he is in fact wearing aids, by dodging the Q, Bloomberg did a huge disservice to himself and those who have the issue. Be honest, direct and - guess what - people will respect you and maybe, just maybe, some will go for the help they need.

We are all not as perfect as we would like to be.

Snoopy

I'm a 100% behind what you are saying. If a device helps you to see better or hear better that is a plus. There are a lot of other "helpers" that also need respect. Try eye makeup for example.

peanuthead

while, yes, it is better for all involved to be direct and honest, i cannot help but wonder why hearing aids or other devices should be an issue in the first place. if there were indications that bloomberg's hearing was affecting his job performance, then, yes, it should be addressed. in this case, that may not be the case, so, just because someone notices that he may be wearing hearing-aids, does not mean he wants to talk about it. why is it that people expect diFabled people to talk about their situation. everyone has the right to their privacy! at least do not force the issue. doing it more indirectly could eventually yield better results. it certainly is wonderful and empowering to diFabled people when high profile people contribute to a normalization of diFability, but let them do it in their own way.

and, yes, that is a hearing-aid behind my ear because, yes, i am practically deaf you dumbass! no, i generally do not mind talking about it, but sometimes, it just isn't your damn business.

peanuthead

hmmm meant that to be in response to GalBklyn . . . . whatever.

GalBklyn

I understand where you are coming from - (believe me!) but in his response he was his usual arrogant and flippant self and as a public figure -- he should have set the tone and example.

He didn't even come close.