Louis Walsh: Years in the music business has made me deaf

Former X Factor judge Louis Walsh has said he is going deaf after years in the music business listening to loud boy bands and screaming fans.

Walsh, who managed Boyzone and Westlife, has had the damage confirmed and may one day need a hearing aid.

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, the 63-year-old said he first noticed the problem when he struggled to hear acts during live auditions alongside Mel B, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Simon Cowell.

The music mogul said he booked a hearing test after his fellow judges started mocking him for asking what they were saying.

His audiologist confirmed that a lifetime of noisy concerts in the music world had taken effect along with "natural wear and tear that occurs in our ears as we age".

But Walsh believes he might not be the only X Factor judge with a hearing problem.

He added: 'I know Simon will really take the mickey out of me for this but I'm sure my ears are as good as his. He's getting old too."