American Abilities News Update — Friday, October 16, 2026
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Produced, written and edited by Richard J. McCollough. AI-generated narration; original graphics and labeled AI illustrations — not footage of the people or studies.
Video report · 60 seconds
American Abilities News Update
· Daily edition
Billy Joel says he can't drive or perform for now while living with normal pressure hydrocephalus, which he says affects his balance, memory, vision and hearing.
Hearing health
Billy Joel: can't drive or perform for now
Why it matters: Balance and hearing changes can have causes beyond the ear — this is general information, not medical advice.
Sources for this report
- Billy Joel: can't drive or perform for now ↗
Source: The Hollywood Reporter · October 15, 2026
- Billy Joel: can't drive or perform for now ↗
Source: ABC News · October 15, 2026
- Billy Joel: can't drive or perform for now ↗
Source: NINDS — Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Read the transcript
This is your American Abilities News Update — hearing loss, disabilities and wellness. Sponsored by Weatherfield Farm. It's Friday, October 16th. Billy Joel says he can't drive or perform for now. The 77-year-old is living with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain. He says it affects his balance, memory, vision and hearing. Joel adds that loud rock and roll had already damaged his hearing. Doctors will test him further before he can return to the stage. This Sunday at 10 on CW Rochester: young people facing a family history of breast cancer. Sources at AmericanAbilitiesTV.com/news-update.
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