Final answer:
Ludwig van Beethoven is recognized as the bridge between Classical and Romantic music styles and struggled with deafness. His early compositions were Classical, while his later works were distinctively Romantic, showcasing emotional depth and expressive innovation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The musician who bridges the gap between the Classical and Romantic styles and who suffered from deafness is Ludwig van Beethoven. Beethoven's early works exemplify the Classical tradition, but as his career developed, despite his devastating loss of hearing, his later compositions clearly embody Romantic principles. This shift is evident in works like his Ninth Symphony, which exudes the emotional depth and expressive range characteristic of Romantic music. His ability to convey intense emotion, coupled with innovative composition techniques, makes Beethoven a pivotal figure in the transition between these two important eras in music history.