BTS’ V Reveals Hearing Loss In One Ear: What Causes Hearing Problems And When To See A Doctor

BTS member V has opened up about a hearing problem he has reportedly been dealing with for around two and a half years. During a livestream on Weverse with fellow member Jung Kook, the singer said his hearing has deteriorated significantly in one ear and that he is currently receiving medical treatment.

V, whose real name is Kim Tae-hyung, told fans that the difference between his ears is substantial. “If my left ear can hear 100 percent, my right ear is at just 30 percent,” he said. He also revealed that the problem became worse during his military service and that he initially did not take the symptoms as seriously as he should have.

What Does Hearing Loss In One Ear Mean?

Hearing loss in one ear, sometimes called unilateral hearing loss, means a person has significantly reduced hearing on one side

while the other ear has better hearing. The causes can vary widely, ranging from earwax buildup and infections to damage to the inner ear, certain medications, loud-noise exposure or problems affecting the nerves involved in hearing. V’s comments alone do not establish what caused his hearing problem.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore A Change In Hearing

A gradual reduction in hearing can sometimes be easy to overlook, particularly when the other ear is functioning normally. People may compensate without realising it, such as turning their head to hear better, increasing the volume of devices or struggling to follow conversations in noisy places. However, a noticeable or persistent change in hearing warrants medical evaluation rather than being dismissed as stress, tiredness or a lack of fitness.

Loud Noise Can Affect Your Ears

Regular exposure to loud sounds is one of the factors associated with hearing damage. Concerts, headphones played at high volumes, workplace machinery and other intense sounds can all put stress on the delicate structures of the inner ear. Taking breaks from loud environments, keeping personal audio at a safer volume and using appropriate hearing protection can help reduce avoidable noise exposure.

When Should You See A Doctor?

Anyone who notices persistent hearing loss, muffled hearing, ringing in the ears, dizziness, ear pain or a sudden change in hearing should seek medical advice. Sudden hearing loss, particularly in one ear, should be treated as a medical emergency and assessed promptly, because some causes are time-sensitive. A doctor or ENT specialist can examine the ear and arrange hearing tests to determine how much hearing has changed and what may be causing it.

V Also Urged Fans To Take Health Seriously

During the livestream, Jung Kook emphasised the importance of consistently looking after one’s health, with V confirming that he is taking medication and regularly visiting a hospital for treatment. The conversation also touched on Jung Kook’s own injury near his shin, which he described as being close to a stress fracture, with inflammation and possible micro-damage to the bone.