Famous People With Deafness

Famous People with Hearing Loss

Famous People With Deafness

There are several well known people who were born deaf or became deaf during their life. Interestingly, many of them did not let their reduced hearing, sometimes severe, stop them from continuing on in their chosen career.

In the 18th century Ludwig van Beethoven is well known for continuing his music career despite increasing hearing loss. Beethoven was a German born composer who lived in Vienna for most of his career. In the 1790′s while he was in his mid-20′s he began to experience ringing in
his ears and subsequent increasing hearing loss. He continued to compose his symphonies even after he became completely deaf. In those days there were no hearing aids as we know them, but he used a special rod to help him hear. Beethoven is a good example of a person who did not let his handicap stop him from doing what he wanted to do. His music is still enjoyed worldwide today.

In more recent times the story of Helen Keller has become well know. She developed an infectious illness as a toddler, which left her both deaf and blind. Her teacher Annie Sullivan was able to break through to her as a child and she developed sufficient communication to graduate
college and to become a prolific writer and a political activist. The movie, The Miracle Worker, was based on her story.

Both William Shactner and Leonard Nimoy are reported to have some tinnitus (ringing in their ears), resulting from loud noises that occurred on the Star Trek set. How much their hearing has actually been affected is not publicly known. However, they have both continued their careers
despite some hearing handicaps.

In recent times two former presidents, Ronald Regan and Bill Clinton have worn hearing aids. They carried on with their obligations in spite of hearing loss.

Miss America, Heather Whitestone, became deaf after a febrile illness as a child. the was the first deaf person to become Miss America. She has since had a cochlear implant, which has improved her hearing.

These are just a few people who have achieve great successes in spite of hearing loss. There
are also many others who could have been included here. Hearing loss, though a problem, can be overcome.

Used Hearing Aids

Famous People with Hearing Loss

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