February 20, 2010 1:59

The Who's future uncertain as Pete Townshend's tinnitus returns

'If my hearing is going to be a problem, we're finished' says the guitarist

The Who's Pete Townhsend has revealed that the group's future is uncertain after his tinnitus returned.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, the guitarist explained that if his hearing problem continues then The Who are "finished".

"If my hearing is going to be a problem, we're not delaying shows, we're finished," he admitted. "I can't really see any way around the issue."

Despite the problem, Townshend added that he will be testing a new in-ear monitoring system during the group's Teenage Cancer Trust gig at London's Albert Hall, to help remedy the problem.

The painful ringing and buzzing that Townshend endures, has come as a result of years of exposure to high volume.