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David Letterman Reflects on Health Battles: Tinnitus, Alcoholism, Anxiety and Heart Surgery
Celebrated television personality David Letterman, a fixture of late-night talk shows for over three decades, recently turned 78. Throughout his illustrious career, the comedian and former host has been candid about his various health challenges. Known for his iconic self-titled late-night program, Letterman made headlines in 2021 after a fall resulted in a head injury and brief hospitalization.
Head Injury and Hospitalization
Following the 2021 incident, which required medical attention and stitches, Letterman publicly expressed gratitude to the hospital staff, humorously referring to the ordeal as a “fun little project.” However, this episode was not the first time the beloved entertainer has faced health concerns.
Living with Tinnitus
In 1996, on an episode of “The Late Show,” Letterman first spoke openly about his experience with tinnitus, a condition he described as a constant ringing in his ears. According to health authorities, tinnitus is often associated with hearing impairment. In a conversation with actor William Shatner, Letterman detailed the persistent auditory sensation, noting he initially did not realize the sound originated internally.
Overcoming Alcohol Dependence
Letterman has also publicly discussed his journey to sobriety. He characterized himself as a “horrible alcoholic” before making the decision to abstain from alcohol at the age of 34. Recalling his past during his program, Letterman admitted to heavy alcohol consumption in his earlier years, stating that in 1981, he was intoxicated “80% of the time.” He further commented on his past drinking habits, noting his surprise when others around him chose to stop consuming alcohol.
Anxiety and Hypochondria
In 2015, Letterman addressed his struggles with anxiety, describing himself as “anxious and hypochondriacal and an alcoholic” for many years. He revealed that he found relief and a sense of calm through a combination of Transcendental Meditation and prescribed medication administered in low dosages.
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Emergency Heart Surgery
Adding to his health narrative, the esteemed TV host discussed undergoing emergency bypass surgery in 2000 during a 2013 interview with Oprah Winfrey. Letterman described the heart procedure as a humbling experience, particularly for someone who identified as a hypochondriac. He remarked that experiencing genuine heart surgery diminished his hypochondriac tendencies, quipping, “now you really got something.”
Gratitude for Medical Professionals
Expressing deep appreciation for the medical professionals who cared for him, Letterman emphasized the skill and dedication of the surgical team. He conveyed a sense of awe and trust in their abilities, stating, “These people who do this [surgery] are so good, so talented, you have no choice but to trust them.” He further acknowledged the vulnerability of the situation, “They literally have your heart in their hands,” before concluding that his initial fear was unfounded in retrospect, highlighting the exceptional capabilities of the medical staff.