Open Letter
The Founder’s Story
Dear Readers,
I was born with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. For as long as I can remember, hearing aids have been a part of my life. But hearing loss is not just about technology. It is about lived experience. It shapes how we move through the world emotionally, socially, physically, and financially.
Growing up hard of hearing came with challenges I did not always have the words for. I feared that my hearing aid batteries would stop working during class. I struggled to learn my parents’ native language. I spent years in speech therapy and special education programs. What stayed with me most was the frustration I saw on people’s faces when I could not understand them. That silent judgment became part of my reality. It took time to accept. But eventually, I found the strength to speak up for myself. Not because it was easy, but because staying silent felt even harder. I learned that my voice matters, even when it takes longer to be heard.
Living with hearing loss taught me that health literacy is not just about medical information. It is about understanding your rights, knowing how to find support, and being empowered to advocate for yourself and for others. It is also about recognizing how systems either include or exclude people based on their ability.
Through all of this, I stopped seeing my hearing loss as something that made me less. Instead, it became the source of my strength. It helped me become someone who listens carefully, who leads with empathy, and who values all forms of communication. I now use my story to speak out for others who have been overlooked or misunderstood.
This is why I created the Hear Together Foundation. I want to make sure no one feels alone in their journey. I want people to know they are seen, heard, and valued. Just as importantly, I want to raise awareness among people who do not have hearing loss. Because real change happens when we all take time to understand what others go through, when we listen, when we care, and when we act with compassion, we can build a world that welcomes everyone.
Thank you for being here. Whether you live with hearing loss, love someone who does, or simply want to learn, your voice and your presence matter. Together, we can build a more informed, inclusive, and connected world. A world where no one is ever left unheard.
With gratitude,
Thierry Labossiere
Founder, Hear Together Foundation
