Rick Astley has revealed he is using hearing aids after being exposed to years of loud sounds while playing drums as a child and performing at gigs.
The 1980s superstar is backing a campaign to raise awareness about hearing loss.
The 57-year-old has re-recorded his mega-hit Never Gonna Give You Up using lyrics people have misheard for years.
The new version of his 1987 chart-topping debut single, released today, features lyrics including “You wouldn’t catch nits from any other guy” and “Your aunt’s been naked”.
Rick said: “I had great fun re-recording the song with Specsavers and discovering the amusing ways people have misheard my song. It felt weird singing different lyrics but I’m pleased to be raising awareness of hearing loss, as there is still a stigma around this.”
He said he had been noticing changes to his hearing over time so recently got tested at the optical and audiology retail chain. Rick said: “It showed I have some hearing loss, which I was not fully aware of.
“It’s probably a result of playing the drums as a kid and working in the music industry, so they’ve given me my first hearing aids. It’s important to remember that everyone’s hearing is different. Some people lose high notes, others lose low frequency sounds.
“I’d encourage anyone to get their hearing tested if they notice any changes, so they don’t lose the sounds or music they love.”
The singer has been given two hearing aids.
A survey for Specsavers found that one in three people have noticed changes in their hearing over the past 10 years but 57% said they had taken no action to tackle it. One in six of 2,000 quizzed blamed mishearing song lyrics on struggling to hear properly but 56% admit never having had their hearing tested.
Audiologist Gurleen Brar, who did Rick’s test, said: “The quicker we understand the way that we hear, the quicker we can act when we notice changes which will help minimise any long-term impact.”
Rick gained global fame in the 1980s thanks to hits such as Together Forever and Whenever You Need Somebody.
He was born in Newton-le-Willows, Lancs, and his rise to stardom was helped by the production trio Stock Aitken Waterman.
His 1987 album Whenever You Need Somebody sold 15.2 million copies worldwide. Rick performed at Glastonbury this year. The website amiright.com has a collection of misheard lyrics of songs from over the decades contributed by fans.
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