Hearing loss impacts millions of people worldwide. As a result, it’s not surprising that hearing loss is seen in popular films or television. Movies and TV shows have shown many different interpretations of hearing loss. Earlier on, hearing loss was often portrayed through limited stereotypes. It seemed there was frequently a misrepresentation and underrepresentation of individuals with hearing loss. Media did not highlight the rich culture and complexity of d/Deaf people and people with hearing loss.
As more celebrities are becoming vocal about their own experiences with hearing loss, the narrative is beginning to shift. Hearing loss is beginning to be normalized through inclusive representation in the media. Directors should recognize how influential their content can be on the perception of hearing loss. Directors and producers can play a role in reducing the negative stigma of hearing loss.
Celebrities with Hearing Loss
It has been monumental for celebrities to open up about their hearing loss. Here are a few examples of celebrities discussing their hearing loss:
Millie Bobby Brown
Millie reports she was born with partial hearing loss in her left ear which progressively worsened over time. Despite being deaf in the left ear, she has continued to pursue her passions. She has won awards for her performances in Stranger Things and Enola Holmes. Millie has shown her hearing loss is not a barrier to success. Being a young person in the media, her transparency may help younger audiences with hearing loss feel more understood.
Rob Lowe
Rob was diagnosed with a viral infection as a baby which caused him to lose all hearing in his right ear. Rob reports his hearing loss doesn’t impact his life significantly, but he struggles to hear in noisy environments. Despite his hearing loss, he has created a successful career in movies and television.
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi, an EGOT* winner, was diagnosed with hearing loss as an adult and wears two hearing aids. She reports her hearing loss is from years of loud music and noise exposure. She actively advocates for people with hearing loss and participates in the Starkey Hearing Foundation.
*EGOT: an Emmy Award, Grammy Award, Academy Award, and Tony Award.
These acclaimed performers have spoken about their hearing loss helping to reduce the negative stigma of hearing loss.
Movies and Television
Conversations of hearing loss have also resulted from representation in movies and television. Below is a list of a few films or TV series that incorporate hearing loss:
CODA (2021)
As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Ruby has grown up as the only hearing person in her family. Her family owns a struggling fishing business in Massachusetts. Meanwhile, Ruby struggles to decide if she should attend college at Berklee College of Music. Ruby’s parents struggle to connect with her love of music and the family works together to find a middle ground.
Sound of Metal (2019)
A heavy metal drummer, Ruben, starts to notice his hearing is getting worse. He is recommended for cochlear implants and begins to navigate the d/Deaf community. Ruben has to decide if he wants to embrace his diagnosis or try to return to the life he previously had.
Deaf U (2020)
A reality television show that follows a group of university students who are d/Deaf or have hearing loss. The students attend Gallaudet University. Gallaudet University, located in Washington D.C., is bilingual and uses American Sign Language (ASL) and English for instruction and throughout the college. The show covers the students' school and personal life. This includes their personal relationships, school cliques, and family lives.
Conclusion
While the media has not always portrayed hearing loss accurately, recent TV shows and movies show a positive change. Thoughtful storytelling and celebrity advocacy help move the narrative of hearing loss in an empowering direction. This shift enriches the collective understanding of the diverse experiences of people with hearing loss.
Reference List
AARP (2020). Celebrities with hearing loss. AARP. Retrieved August 20th, 2024, from https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2014/celebrities-with-hearing-loss-photo.html
Birnbaum, D. (2017). How ‘Stranger Things’ star Millie Bobby Brown made Eleven ‘Iconic’ and catapulted into pop culture. Variety. Retrieved August 13, 2024, from https://variety.com/2017/tv/features/millie-bobby-brown-stranger-things-season-2-eleven-1202602487/
Clason, D. & Victory, J. (2023). Notable celebrities who have hearing loss or tinnitus. Healthy Hearing. Retrieved August 13, 2024, from https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52933-Award-winning-celebrities-with-hearing-loss
Gallaudet University Schools. [Image]. (2016). Retrieved from Pixabay.
IMDB. (n.d.). CODA. Retrieved August 20, 2024, from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10366460/?ref_=ttpl_ov
IMDB. (n.d.). Deaf U. Retrieved August 20, 2024, from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13070478/plotsummary/?ref_=tt_stry_pl
IMDB. (n.d.). Sound of Metal. Retrieved August 20, 2024, from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5363618/plotsummary/?ref_=tt_stry_pl#synopsis
Rob Lowe Actor Celebrity Known. [Image]. (2013). Retrieved from Pixabay.