[bulmasman]

Ok, let's see here...

I'm disgusted by the posts i've seen from some so-called fans here. You're showing a complete lack of respect towards Ayumi and your fellow member's of the forum. If you don't like Ayumi any more, keep it to yourself. If you do like her, don't be an ass... simple as that. Saying you want her to give her career a break for a bit is one thing, saying "don't dissapoint me with a lousy/crap vocal again" is something entirely different.

Now, i'm saddened by this news, i really am, but i'm not extremely surprised. I've known for a long time about the problem with her ear, and i just guessed it would be a matter of time before this all came to the front.

What i would like to point out though is that she doesn't actually mention WHEN last year she went for the ear inspection. It could have been early, middle or late year for all we know. CDL could have been an off night for her (like a previous Concert where she strained her voice in the opening few songs).

The chance's of this being the reason are slim i will admit, but it's still a possibility. If the complete loss of her hearing in the left ear has only happened recently though, maybe with some time to adjust to it properly she'll still be able to perform well. I'm not too worried for her future hearing at the moment though as i haven't seen anything in the past to say she has any problems with her other ear. If she did, then i would be first in line to tell her to chill out, relax and maybe look at an early retirement.

I find it admirable that she is more than willing to push on for her fans. I can't see Avex having a huge hand in her decision. If you remember she threatened to walk out on them before, what's to stop her carrying out the threat if they're putting her health at risk? Ayu doesn't have to work anymore, i doubt she's going to go broke any time soon.