Billy Joel attributes normal pressure hydrocephalus to loud concerts and undergoes shunt surgery

Billy Joel revealed that doctors believe his long-standing exposure to loud rock concerts contributed to a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition that can affect vision, hearing and balance. The musician, 77, first announced the diagnosis in May 2025 and later discussed his treatment on his SiriusXM show, "The Billy Joel Channel."

"I noticed that my balance was not good. I had this sense of being on a boat, like this rocking motion," Joel said, describing early symptoms. He added that doctors explained NPH could be progressive and recommended surgical insertion of a shunt to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid.

"They drill a hole through your skull and stick a shunt inside your brain," he recalled the medical team explaining. After researching the procedure, Joel agreed to the surgery, which he said improved his memory, balance and overall function.

Joel also said physicians told him that the repeated loud performances were akin to sustaining a concussion at each show, potentially damaging brain nerves. Following the operation, his team advised him to avoid performing and to engage in prescribed physical therapy.

"I'm doing whatever they tell me to do because I don't want to lose it," Joel said, emphasizing his commitment to recovery.

The artist's representatives confirmed that he is following doctors' orders, refraining from concerts during his recovery, and expressed gratitude for the medical care he has received. NPH is most common in individuals over 65 and is typically treated with shunt surgery, according to medical sources.