Joyce Maier wrote:

>However, it's a fact that Beethoven never became stonedeaf in the true of
>the sense of the word.  Even on his deathbed he was able to hear sounds,
>though not much and only very loud ones, like shouting in his best ear.
>Even as late as 1812/14 he was able to play the piano in a far from
>perfect, but nevertheless convincing and moving way.

I remember reading that, on his deathbed, Beethoven shook his fist at a
thunderclap outside the house.  Maybe the tale is apocryphal.  Maybe it
was a lightning flash he was shaking his fist at.  Apparently there was an
unprecedented thunderstorm and hurricane raging through Vienna on the day
Beethoven died.

Walter Meyer