27/12/2002 - Friday

Richie is suffering ear damage. Docs found out his condition is between medium to serious and warned him to take proper care.

Recently he felt a bit off-colour. His blocked nose did not heal completely. Thinking that he was just merely having a flu and sensitive to the cold, he didn't really much care about it. After the end of the US concert tour, he flew back to Taiwan. The long flight home made him uncomfortable and he experienced ringing in his ears. His manager got worried and urged him to see the doc. And that's when the problem was diagnosed.

"All along my hearing is a bit of a problem. During uni. days I worked as a dj and often had to be at parties and perform at the pub. Later on I worked at location shoots for my movies where sometimes there's a bit of fire power needed. When I participated in motor-racing, the revving of engines can be quite loud. This further worsened my ear condition I guess. At concerts, sometimes I have trouble with the medium and high notes so much so that my band members have to make them louder for me."

To a singer, hearing is very important. When he heard the doctor's diagnosis of 'medium to serious damage' he was a bit shocked. "From a young age I've never had to take medication for anything serious. But now I've to be obedient. I've been taking medicine for 2 weeks now - punctually and regularly. It sure is a difficult time for me." Girlfriend Tina is very anxious. She accompanied him to the doc, make sure he takes his medicine. Previously Tina often blamed him that at times he seems not to be paying full attention when she talks to him. But now she realised that she had wrongly accused him.

Richie's left ear is more serious. Doc told him that even after medication he won't be able to fully recover, it will just keep the situation in control and prevent it from worsening. He must make sure he do his utmost and not suffer a relapse. For e.g. cos he still has 3 mini school concerts to perform in the next few days, he would take a break in between rehearsals to let his ear have a quiet rest. He'll have to go easy on his diving - water pressure not good to ears. And if he goes for motor-racing, he'll have to wear protective gear for his ears.
(Source : Nanyang Siang Pau)

 

31/12/2002 - Tuesday

Richie won the "Mandarin Male Singer" in the Xin Cheng Jing Bao Award Ceremony.
(Source : Nanyang Siang Pau)