Do you feel like hearing aids are everywhere in the press these days? First it was the groundbreaking launch by American Girl Doll of Joss, its 2020 girl of the year that not only enjoys surfing, but also wears a hearing aid. Then it was the Queen of England spotted in public for the first time wearing a hearing aid. It is exciting and inspired me to share my thoughts on the subject for HuffPost Personal.
Hopefully one day soon, someone wearing a hearing aid, no matter their age or occupation will no longer be newsworthy, but until then, the more press coverage the better. Building awareness is the best way to break down stigma, promote hearing aid and assistive listening device usage and build awareness about the ways people with hearing loss are breaking down communication barriers.
Click here to read the story on HuffPost. If it resonates with you, please share it widely to help build momentum for articles about hearing loss in the mainstream media.
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Hi Shari
Interesting post. Living in the UK I saw the press pictures of the Queen and having worn hearing aids, big hearing aids for 40 plus years, my immediate thought was “so what?”
The Queen is in her 90s and wearing hearing aids has traditionally been associated as something that comes with old age.
My first HAs as a teenager were body worn for the power and then eventually I moved to high power BTEs, but having short hair I’ve never been able to hide my aids.
Back in the 1970s and 80s in the UK you didn’t see that many young people wearing hearing aids and I guess that has always driven the stigma, that hearing aids were or maybe still are seen as something associated with old age so younger people didn’t want to be seen wearing them for the fear of being seen as old, especially in the workplace or socially when trying to date for example.
That in turn perhaps drove the demand for smaller hearing aids because the perception was that hearing aids had to be hidden away and kept out of sight.
What is needed is for “younger” people who need hearing aids get them and were them openly, not hide them away, then maybe then the stigma will start to go away.
Yes, role models of all ages are needed. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Thanks for sharing! I think it’s a great article…so what if the Queen is 93. I started my hearing loss journey as a 15 month old toddler and gradually progressed to where I received a cochlear implant a year ago followed by getting the other ear implanted last week. As a child and young adult I was deeply ashamed of my loss and did everything I could to hide it. Honestly it wasn’t until I was in my early 50s that I stopped pretending I was “normal” and accepted my fate. I personally love any kind of hearing loss awareness!
Role models are key! Thank you for your sharing your journey.
I was a hearing aid user 1st grade 1954 til 1993. ( was diagnosed with Usher Syndrome 1988, now we know it is hereditary) . . Went through stages of hiding it or showing it off. More deafness, 4-23/1993–then 711 days later , 4/4/1995, I was activated with my cochlear implant!!!!!! I got my life back ‼️‼️🎶🎶‼️‼️ Felt like I had a facelift. Less stress.
So glad it is working well for you! Thanks for sharing your good news!
Thank you for sharing your story. Like you, I developed hearing issues early in life and spent years being ashamed and secretive about my loss. I also, sadly, understand the lack of parental support. My kids, however, are helping turn the tide, to the point of becoming angry on my behalf when others do not make accommodations for Mom!
It is wonderful to have such vocal advocates on your team. Thank you for sharing your story.