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High levels of heavy metals detected in Ludwig van Beethoven's hair may have contributed to his deafness and other illnesses, according to a recent study published in the journal Clinical Chemistry.

Researchers analyzed DNA from two authenticated locks of the German composer's hair and found alarmingly high concentrations of lead, arsenic, and mercury. One lock contained 380 micrograms of lead per gram of hair, while the second had 258 micrograms per gram of hair-levels significantly higher than today's normal levels, which are closer to 4 micrograms or less. Beethoven's hair also exhibited 13 times the normal level of arsenic and four times the typical level of mercury.

"These are the highest values in hair I've ever seen," study co-author Paul Jannetto, a pathologist at the Mayo Clinic, told The New York Times. "We get samples from around the world, and these values are an order of magnitude higher."

These elevated levels of toxic metals could partly explain Beethoven's health issues, including his progressive hearing loss starting in his 20s, complete deafness by his late 40s, gastrointestinal problems, and episodes of jaundice-a symptom of liver disease, Live Science reported.

While it's unlikely that the lead levels alone were the "sole cause of death" for Beethoven, researchers suggest that his high lead exposure may have contributed to his chronic health ailments throughout his life. However, the impact of higher arsenic and mercury levels on his health remains unclear.

Previous studies on Beethoven's hair had also identified high lead levels, though these findings were later discredited upon the revelation that the strands originated from an Ashkenazi Jewish woman. However, recent DNA analysis of verified locks of his hair confirmed Beethoven's exposure to hepatitis B and high risk of liver disease, potentially influencing his overall health.

According to CNN, one possible explanation for the heavy metal contamination in Beethoven's system involves his consumption habits, such as his fondness for wine-often containing lead acetate-and frequent consumption of fish from the arsenic and mercury-rich Danube River.

"We believe this is an important piece of a complex puzzle and will enable historians, physicians and scientists to better understand the medical history of the great composer," the researchers wrote.