Creator Of In-Ear Device Says He Can Help BRIAN JOHNSON Get Back To Performing On Stage

Stephen Ambrose, an expert in the field of audio and the founder of Asius Technologies, says that he can help Brian Johnson return to the stage after the AC/DC frontman was forced to stop touring because doctors said he risked total hearing loss.

The legendary Australian rock band postponed the last ten dates of its recent North American tour after doctors gave Johnson the diagnosis. AC/DC has since announced that it will use GUNS N' ROSES singer Axl Rose as a "guest vocalist" when it resumes its tour this weekend, with Johnson apparently not returning to the band at all.

Ambrose, who invented in-ear monitors, an advanced earbud used by professional musicians on stages around the world, says that he now realizes that his original invention "can cause permanent hearing loss — even when used at what may be considered to be reasonable listening levels." He says he stopped manufacturing the devices in the '90s so that he "could make [his] invention safer."

He has since partnered with the National Health Foundation and 64 Audio to create a device that is said to be the first and only patented in-ear technology that safely delivers a louder, more spacious and richer sound while minimizing the risk of hearing damage.

While Ambrose admits to being "a big fan of Axl Rose's voice," having introduced GUNS N' ROSES to in-ear monitors in 1990, he says he agrees with THE WHO frontman Roger Daltrey in that he "really can't imagine anyone but [Johnson] singing 'Back In Black' — or any other part of the [AC/DC] show, for that matter."

Ambrose created the ADEL (Ambrose Diaphonic Ear Lens) technology to solve the 77% increase in hearing loss recently attributed to all personal listening devices. By utilizing a revolutionary second ear drum to take the pounding, ADEL technology absorbs the harmful pneumatic sound pressures caused by all personal listening devices and provides a much safer and higher fidelity listening experience for everyone. Formal studies conducted at Vanderbilt Medical Center confirmed that personal listening devices modified with ADEL technology sound louder at lower volumes than anything else on the market. ADEL delivers sound the way it was always meant to be heard — bass sounds deeper, midrange is clearer and highs sound richer than ever.

Ambrose says he hopes Johnson will consider utilizing this new technology to help him "return to the stage, and that, frankly, is something everyone really wants."

Johnson issued a statement on April 19 in which he detailed the hearing problems that forced him to stop touring. While he promised to continue recording, he couldn't say whether he would ever perform onstage with AC/DC again.

Johnson said his hearing problems were interfering with his ability to perform and he added that he has continued to consult with doctors, and was told that he could not "perform on stage at arena and stadium size venues where the sound levels are beyond my current tolerance, without the risk of substantial hearing loss and possibly total deafness."

Looking forward, he said, "My entire focus is to continue medical treatment to improve my hearing. I am hoping that in time my hearing will improve and allow me to return to live concert performances. While the outcome is uncertain, my attitude is optimistic."

Johnson has been AC/DC's singer since 1980, when he replaced the late Bon Scott. He made his recording debut with the group on the classic "Back In Black".

AC/DC has been on the road since last year in support of its 16th studio album, "Rock Or Bust".