Testimonials

Real stories. Real experiences.
Hear from individuals navigating life with hearing loss.

LEANNE DABAH B.S.

Unilateral Hearing Loss

Leanne Dabah reflects on a deeply personal journey of living with hearing loss, first discovered in elementary school when she couldn’t hear anything from their right ear during a routine hearing test. That moment marked the beginning of years spent in confusion and tribulation, worrying about what others might think, unsure of utilizing hearing aids, and struggling with the emotional weight of feeling different. It wasn’t just about not hearing, it was about feeling misunderstood, left out, and sometimes embarrassed. Over time, she has grown into their truth, learning to tell people upfront about their hearing loss and finding strength in the compassion of friends and coworkers who accommodate themselves without judgment. Also, always include her without hesitation. Through all the vulnerability, she has come to see that hearing loss awareness isn’t just about recognition—it’s about empathy, dignity, and creating space where people feel seen and supported just as they are.

JASPER MILES BSc

Bilateral Hearing Loss

This story shares the journey of Jasper Miles, who became bilaterally deaf as a toddler and developed severe form of cholesteatoma into adulthood. In Jasper case, he was bound to have hearing loss sooner or later. With cochlear implants from an early age, he faced challenges in school—from noisy classrooms to feeling different—but everything changed when he found confidence over time. Surrounded by supportive friends who took the time to understand his circumstances, they embraced his deaf identity with pride. Now, he strongly believes in the need for more awareness about cochlear implants, emphasizing that deaf individuals often miss out on vital communication when people don’t understand how to be inclusive. He spoke passionately about how small acts, like facing someone when speaking or not saying “never mind”, can make a world of difference. His message is clear: hearing loss doesn’t limit you—it empowers you, and with greater awareness, we can build confidence within ourselves.

THAIS GUERRA B.S., RN

Bilateral Hearing Loss

This story reflects the experience of Thais Guerra, who discovered their hearing loss in elementary school but didn’t receive hearing aids until seventh grade, navigating much of childhood without formal accommodations. Though born hard of hearing and raised in a supportive family where communication felt natural, they later realized the broader challenges of living with hearing loss, especially in group settings, loud environments, and professional spaces. Now more confident and aware, she advocates for herself, greater inclusion, communication accessibility, and patience, stressing that being hard of hearing is just one part of who they are, not a limitation. With friends who support her in simple ways, such as repeating things, turning on subtitles, or learning sign language, and workplaces that offer accommodations, she thrives. Her story is a good reminder that small acts of awareness can make a difference. Most importantly, people with hearing loss belong fully in every space, every conversation, and every opportunity.

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