Rush Limbaugh Nearly Deaf

October 9 -- (ABCNEWS.com) — Rush Limbaugh, who's been delighting conservatives and enraging "feminazis" and other liberals for 14 years with his right-wing radio talk show, told listeners Monday that he is going deaf.

Despite his hearing loss, Limbaugh said he hoped to continue with his show, which is broadcast on 600 stations nationwide.He discussed the U.S. and British attacks on Afghanistan during Monday's show, then revealed he noticed several months ago that he was losing his hearing.

"The bottom line is, from May 29 up until about 10 days ago, I lost hearing every five days, to the point, ladies and gentlemen, I'm now totally deaf in my left ear," said Limbaugh, 50.

He said he had taken some time off from his job to seek medical care, but doctors were not able to reverse the problem.

"Hearing aids, the most powerful made, mean nothing," said Limbaugh. "I have the ability to recognize sound, but not identify it in my right ear. I cannot communicate with people."

Limbaugh did not disclose the cause of his ailment, saying the doctors have their own theories, and he preferred to keep them to himself.

Such rapid deterioration is "relatively rare," said Dr. Bevan Yueh of the University of Washington.

Yueh would not speculate on a possible diagnosis without having examined Limbaugh or his test results, but added, "A complete loss that he describes experiencing usually carries a poor prognosis for regaining hearing."

The Show Will Go On

The flamboyant talk show host began mouthing off on the air 14 years ago after noticing the lack of a conservative voice on the air. His program emerged as political correctness and liberal ideals gained increasing attention in mainstream media, with Limbaugh serving as the foil to their comments.

Listeners increasingly turned their dial to hear Limbaugh's opinions. While some criticized Limbaugh for his barking manner and harsh attitude toward liberals and feminists — whom he ridiculed as "feminazis" — he offered a rallying cry for those who share his values.