... about the way notes fade when unable to hear (5-4)

I believe the answer is:

stone-deaf

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'unable to hear' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'about the way notes fade' is the wordplay.
'notes fade' can be anagrammed to 'STONE-DEAF'.
However, I'm unsure how this is indicated.

'when' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stone-deaf that I've seen before include "Totally unable to hear" , "Quite unable to hear - made of granite?" , "No defeats, being completely without hearing" , "Feasted on (anag.)" , "Tines fade, being quite without hearing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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