**’You Never Plan To Go Deaf’: R&B Icon Tank On His Hearing Loss Journey**

Music has always been at the core of Tank’s life. Whether celebrating victories or enduring hardships, music has been his constant companion.

For over two decades, Tank has captivated audiences with his soulful R&B sound, selling millions of albums and earning five Grammy nominations. His music, described as a romantic getaway with a loved one, is deeply personal, shaped by his life experiences. For Tank, music is life.

However, in May 2021, Tank’s world was turned upside down when he was struck by sudden hearing loss. He was diagnosed with sudden sensory neural hearing loss, a condition that doctors struggle to fully explain.

The cause remains unclear, and treatment options are limited. Tank has lost nearly all the hearing in his right ear and suffers from vertigo episodes that appear unpredictably. In his right ear, he constantly hears a sound akin to water movement, a persistent reminder of his condition.

For an artist, hearing is everything. Tank now faces the challenge of processing sound through one ear, a drastic change for someone accustomed to hearing music in stereo.

Mixing records and listening to music, which rely on the interplay between left and right channels, has become a completely different experience. Despite the fear of losing music altogether, Tank is determined to adapt and continue his craft.

Initially, doctors prescribed steroids to treat his condition, but the medication took a toll on him both mentally and physically. It was an unfamiliar and unsettling experience for Tank, who had never faced such challenges before.

Ultimately, the steroids proved ineffective, and he was taken off the medication. Now, Tank is focused on rediscovering himself and adjusting to his new reality.

Tank’s resilience has been a source of inspiration for those around him. His strength and determination to continue creating music despite his hearing loss have deeply moved his loved ones and fans.

As he records his final album, *R&B Money*, Tank views it as a send-off to the next chapter of his life. While his journey in music is evolving, his passion for creativity remains unwavering.

Looking ahead, Tank is eager to explore new opportunities. He dreams of developing other artists—singers, songwriters, and producers—and sharing his wealth of experience with them.

Beyond music, Tank has ambitions to become an accomplished actor and a stand-up comedian, embracing the chance to build new spaces for his talents. Losing his hearing has given him a renewed perspective, reminding him of all the goals he still wants to achieve while he can.

Tank’s hearing loss has been a life-altering experience, but it has also reignited his drive to pursue his dreams. His journey serves as a testament to his resilience and commitment to living life to the fullest, even in the face of adversity.