SHOW GOES ON FOR 'DEAF' JAPANESE STAR AYU

Japanese pop star AYUMI HAMASAKI has vowed to continue making music despite going deaf in one ear. The singer - who is better known as Ayu - was recently diagnosed with hearing condition tinnitus in her left ear, a condition which causes a constant ringing in the ears and is thought to be caused by regular exposure to loud sounds. The 29-year-old is Japan's top-selling artist with 28 number one hits and album sales of nearly 50 million - and she is determined not to let the affliction ruin her successful career. She writes on her Internet website, "I would like to continue as a singer. That's why I would like to continue singing until I reach the limit with my remaining right ear."