Agent: J.D. Salinger is totally deaf

NEW YORK, June 9 (UPI) -- J.D. Salinger's longtime literary agent says the 90-year-old U.S. author has age-related health problems and is totally deaf.

The New York Post reported Phyllis Westberg made the revelations about the famous recluse in an affidavit filed last week in Manhattan federal court.

Salinger is suing to block the publication of an unauthorized sequel to his classic 1951 novel "Catcher in the Rye." "60 Years Later: Coming Through the Rye" reportedly was penned by an anonymous author known only as J.D. California.

Although Salinger underwent surgery for a broken hip last month and is recovering from the operation at a rehabilitation facility, Westberg said in the court document the writer is "fully aware" a sequel to "Rye" is planned and wants the court to quash its publication on the grounds it infringes on his copyright.