My hearing loss journey

I was born with normal hearing, but at the age of 3, I was diagnosed with bilateral asymmetrical hearing loss. In my left ear I have a mild-to-moderate hearing loss and in my right ear I have a severe to severe-to-profound loss. I identify as little d "deaf" or Hard of Hearing, although either one or both can be used to describe me. 

I didn't use any hearing assistive technology, or HAT, until I was in the 6th grade since there was no technology to help me then. I then got fitted with my first pair of Phonak Audeo CROS hearing aids.  Shortly after I transitioned to more comfortable hearing aid molds instead of RTC ones. The following year, in 2017, I got new Phonak Sky B Hearing aids, which are the ones I still have to this day. 

I used to hide my hearing aids behind my long black hair because I was ashamed of having a hearing loss, but around 8th grade year I realized I needed to stop hiding behind it and instead be proud of it and speak up for others. Educate people on it. I gave a talk within my school, Dexter Southfield School, about hearing loss and educated younger middle schoolers on it.  I also was an ASL interpreter at concerts for the 3 years I was there. 

Now, as a high schooler, I utilize microphone technology, called the Roger Touchscreen Mic from Phonak and my hearing aids to help best understand my world and connect with others. 

Currently, I am on the HearingLikeMe blog for Phonak and am a Phonak HEARo, as well as raising awareness on hearing loss and disabilities.