Anika Moa loses hearing after infection

Publish Date: Friday, 25 August 2017, 10:56AM

Kiwi singer Anika Moa says she is suffering serious hearing loss due to a rupture and subsequent ear infection.

But in a new message to fans, she says she's on the mend and fully expects to be able to embark on tour next month.

The songwriter wrote a heartfelt post to her Instagram followers detailing a "horrific week" following the injury, which could put her career in jeopardy.

"I went to bed on Sunday night and woke with a sharp pain which turned into full on ear ache which then turned into severe pain. Then, my ear ruptured and now I can only hear 25% good.

"The hearing eventually comes back say the professionals but It takes ages for the infection to go and luckily for me I was already in the country at my best friends house so rest and recovery is needed.

"For a singer, well, to not hear is a f***ed thing to go through in general but for me it's a career ender.

"I'd be stuck to paperwork and clearing the dishes or maybe I could write my novel? Lol," she said.

In a statement to the Herald, Moa said she expected to be able to make a full recovery.

"It's been a rough week with a really painful and scary ear infection and burst eardrum. I just want to reassure people that I'm on the mend and the doctors don't think that there'll be any long term affects," she said.

"I'm taking a few weeks to recover, but fully expect to be out on tour starting at the end of September as planned."

The singer said her wife and best friend had been angels and had been supporting her.

"Makes me teary thinking about it," she wrote on Instagram.

Finally, I have a teeny tiny bit of strength to tell you my story. It's been a horrific week for me. I went to bed on Sunday night and woke with a sharp pain which turned into full on ear ache which then turned into severe pain. Then, my ear ruptured and now I can only hear 25% good.the hearing eventually comes back say the professionals but It takes ages for the infection to go and luckily for me I was already in the country at my best friends house so rest and recovery is needed. For a singer, well, to not hear is a fucked thing to go through in general but for me it's a career ender. I'd be stuck to paperwork and clearing the dishes or maybe I could write my novel? Lol My wife and best friend were angels and really were there for me. Makes me teary thinking about it. Anyhoodle, just thought I'd let you know this is what's happening and what I've been doing. FML lol it sure does make you eat that fucking humble pie.

A post shared by Anika Moa (@anikamoa) on Aug 23, 2017 at 9:25pm PDT

Fans have been quick to post messages of love and support for Moa, who said she had only just got up the strength to write the post.

"What a vulnerable feeling. Kia kaha wahine, you'll come back stronger than ever," one wrote. "Oodles of aroha and gentleness in the meantime."

Another pointed out that when an artist loses one way of making art, they find another creative outlet, saying "just allow yourself to heal."

On Monday Moa's publicists announced she and her band were going on tour, with concerts scheduled for Dunedin, Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington.

She planned to sing the entire songlist from 10-year-old album In Swings the Tide; she also had plans to bring her kids' show, "Songs for Bubbas: Chop Chop Hiyaaa!", to the South Island in October.

Source: NZ Herald.

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