Billy Joel Says His Brain Disorder "Sounds a Lot Worse" Than It Is

Billy Joel has asked fans not to worry about his brain disorder, saying the condition "sounds a lot worse than it actually is."

The 77-year-old songwriter stopped performing last year after doctors diagnosed him with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a disorder caused by an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricles.

"I know people are worried about me because they read that I have a brain disorder, which sounds a lot worse than it actually is," Joel said recently on SiriusXM, where he took calls from fans. "I'm okay. My balance isn't that good. Lost a little bit of my hearing, but that may have to do with my age, too, and the rock and roll life and the loud volume probably didn't help. But I'm fine. I want people to not have to worry about me. I'm okay."

After initially refusing surgical intervention, Joel had a shunt implanted to alleviate some effects of the disorder. Earlier this month, he shared that the procedure has improved his memory, balance, and overall function.

Joel cannot say when he will return to the stage. His only appearance since stepping back came earlier this year, when he made a surprise appearance with a cover band. His team has described his time away from touring as a "recovery period."

The condition worsened under the demands of live performance, according to a statement his team issued last year. "This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance," the statement said. "Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing."

At 77, Joel admits he cannot always separate the symptoms of the disorder from the ordinary effects of age. His hearing loss, he suggested on SiriusXM, may owe as much to decades of loud rock and roll as to his diagnosis.

His medical team keeps a close watch on him. "They don't want me to stress too much," Joel said.

He doesn't want anyone else stressing either. With the shunt in place, physical therapy underway, and his team framing the hiatus as recovery rather than retirement, the question now is not whether Joel is ill, but when — or whether — the Piano Man will play a full concert again.