Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Stephen Colbert is deaf in his right ear. Public accounts tie that loss to a tumor found in his right ear when he was a child, and to surgery that removed the tumor along with his eardrum. Colbert has described the episode himself in a recollection that has been reproduced online. The available reporting does not name the tumor type, does not describe the operation in detail, and does not include a current medical update on his hearing.
What public accounts report
Every account that addresses the question describes the same basic sequence. The reported facts are:
- Onset in childhood. The problem began when Colbert was a child, during elementary school according to AARP’s profile of celebrities with hearing loss.
- A tumor in the right ear. A 2007 Vanity Fair profile by Seth Mnookin says Colbert is deaf in his right ear because of a childhood tumor.
- Surgery that removed the eardrum. AARP says removing the tumor required removing the eardrum. Colbert’s own recollection also says he has no eardrum.
- Deafness in that ear only. The reporting limits the hearing loss to the right side. None of the sources describes his left ear as affected.
Beyond these points, the accounts stop. They do not say whether the tumor was benign, what kind of tumor it was, or what the surgeons did beyond removing it and the eardrum.
Colbert’s own description
Deaf News Today reproduces the following statement attributed to Colbert:
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
“I always wanted to be a marine biologist but then I had this ear problem. I have no ear drum. So I had this operation at the Medical University when I was a kid. Now I can’t get my head wet. I mean, I can, but I can’t really scuba dive or anything like that. So that killed my marine biology hopes.”
The reproduced text does not identify the original interview or name the hospital, so this is best read as Colbert’s account as published by Deaf News Today, not as an independently checked transcript.
Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The diving remark is a personal anecdote about what Colbert says he can and cannot do. It is not a medical assessment, and it should not be read as guidance for anyone with a missing eardrum or single-sided deafness.
Where each claim comes from
The four sources differ in how much detail they give and how directly they can be checked.
Recommended: Update Every Outdated Driver on Your PC in One Scan - Free →Recommended: PC Feels Slow? A Free Scan Shows What's Dragging Windows Down →
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Source | Date | What it says about the right ear | Limits of the evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanity Fair profile by Seth Mnookin | September 24, 2007 | Colbert is deaf in his right ear because of a childhood tumor. | Gives no clinical detail beyond the tumor and the deafness. |
| Deaf News Today, “Stephen Colbert’s Ear” | Displayed as May 13; year not shown | Reproduces Colbert’s first-person account of an ear problem, a childhood operation, the absent eardrum, and the scuba limitation. | The original interview is not identified in the displayed text. |
| AARP, “Celebrities, Famous People With Hearing Loss” | Not stated in the material reviewed | Doctors found a tumor in the right ear during elementary school, and removal required removing the eardrum. | Only a summary excerpt was available; the full article could not be opened, so this is corroboration rather than detailed medical reporting. |
| WebMD, “Celebrities Who Have Hearing Loss” | Not stated in the material reviewed | Says he is deaf in the right ear after childhood tumor-removal surgery. | Only a summary excerpt was available; it adds limited corroboration. |
The newest dated source is the 2007 Vanity Fair profile. The later celebrity roundups repeat its core claim, so they should be read as secondary summaries rather than new reporting.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the sources do not establish
- The tumor’s type, grade, or whether it was benign.
- The exact surgical procedure, beyond the removal of the tumor and the eardrum.
- Any current audiology results, such as the degree of hearing loss in the right ear.
- Any current treatment, device use, or medical follow-up.
- Why the right ear’s appearance or function is as it is. No source offers a cause beyond the surgery.
Readers looking for more clinical detail will not find it in the public accounts. Any claim about a specific diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment would go beyond what has been published.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
