Sen. John Fetterman struggles to hear voices after stroke

Good grief!

Stroke-surviving Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was struggling to adjust to high office even before his most recent health scare this week, a new report revealed Friday.

According to the New York Times, the 53-year-old sometimes struggles to hear people’s voices clearly — comparing it to the muffled words of Charlie Brown’s teacher in “Peanuts.”

Fetterman’s difficulties with auditory processing get noticeably worse when he’s stressed or in an unfamiliar situation, the report added.

The former Pennsylvania lieutenant governor was left with hearing and other cognitive issues after suffering a stroke in May last year, just before the Keystone State’s Democratic Senate primary.

Despite questions from Republicans and some members of the media about whether he was fit to serve the commonwealth for six years, Democrats rallied around Fetterman and insisted his medical issues were no different than any other disability.


John Fetterman
Sen. John Fetterman, 53, sometimes struggles to hear people’s voices clearly after suffering a stroke, according to a report.
Getty Images

When Fetterman defeated GOP candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz in the November general election, new technology was needed in the Capitol to help him communicate with staff and colleagues.

For example, Fetterman now carries a tablet around with him that has closed captioning capabilities so he can read whatever people are saying to him.

A closed captioning monitor has also been installed at his desk in the Senate chamber so he can follow along with proceedings. The device is adjustable in height to accommodate Fetterman whether he needs to sit or stand.

A custom desk at the center dais has also been equipped with the same technology for Fetterman’s use when he presides over Senate proceedings.


Charlie Brown
The way Fetterman hears words sometimes is like the voice of Charlie Brown’s teacher in “Peanuts,” the New York Times reported.
Courtesy Everett Collection

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) told the Times that she experimented with Fetterman’s tablet during a recent Democratic caucus lunch.

“What I was saying was accurate even when I talked fast. I wanted to make sure it was accurate. It was kind of to imagine what it would be like to be him,” Klobuchar said.

“He answers like you would answer anyone,” she added. “It’s us that have to get used to it; he’s used to it.”

The Times report was published two days after Fetterman was hospitalized in Washington due to feeling lightheaded during a Democratic Party retreat.


The Senate floor
Due to his condition, Senate personnel recently installed a closed caption display in the chamber to assist Fetterman with his auditory processing issues.
Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The father of three was released from George Washington University Hospital Friday afternoon after tests ruled out another stroke and showed no evidence of a seizure, Fetterman communications director Joe Calvello announced.

“John is looking forward to returning to the Senate on Monday,” Calvello tweeted.

If Fetterman’s health problems render him unfit to serve, Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro would need to appoint a replacement.

A special election would then be held next year to select a candidate to finish out the remainder of Fetterman’s term.