SHOW GOES ON FOR 'DEAF' JAPANESE STAR AYU

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."