Hearing loss and hearing aids are increasingly become more represented throughout the media, in films, TV, music, and more. It’s great to see a topic that has often been stigmatised, gradually being seen as the norm. Having spoken to many of our customers who are new to wearing hearing aids, we understand that it helps those suffering with hearing loss to feel more confident in wearing their hearing devices, and being open about their challenges.
Here at DigiClear not only do we strive to help our clients hear in all situations, but also to feel confident in doing so. In this blog, we’ll be exploring the importance of normalising hearing loss and highlighting recent representations of hearing loss in the media.
Tasha Stones – The Great British Bake Off (2023)
In 2023, 27-year-old Tasha was the show’s first ever deaf baker and was accompanied to the show by her sign language interpreter, Daryl.
Tasha spoke out about how she felt when Daryl was introduced as part of the line-up, ‘Seeing Daryl up at the front and feeling fully part of the show was a really special moment. I couldn’t have done it without him and without the dedication from the show ensures I had the same access as the other bakers.’
Tasha managed to get a handshake from Paul Hollywood and make it through to the semi-finals. Throughout her time on the show, she was able to teach the judges and viewers many phrases in sign language.
Charlie – The Traitors Season 2 (2024)
Reality TV shows are a very popular, and therefore a great platform to bring awareness to certain topics. BBC reality show, the Traitors, recently announced their second season which features a participant wearing hearing aids. 34-year-old mental health Area Manager, Charlie, becomes the reality show’s first hearing aid wearing participant. It’s early days, as the show restarted on 4th January 2024, but we wish Charlie all the best throughout the show and look forward to seeing how she performs! You can watch the trailer below.
Sound of Metal (2019)
It’s a little dated now, but this film focuses on a heavy metal drummer who begins to experience hearing loss. It’s a great showcase of the emotional side of loosing your hearing. It can affect everyone differently, and some may really struggle with the fact that they can’t hear naturally anymore. It’s a great reminder of just how important it is to check in on loved ones, especially during difficult times like these. It’s a brilliant film to watch if you are suffering with hearing loss, or if you want to help a loved one who is suffering by understanding how they could be feeling. You can watch the trailer for Sound of Metal below.
Hearing loss can affect anyone, at any age or point in their life. Everyone experiences hearing loss differently. It’s important to keep up-to-date with your hearing health, and to seek professional help as soon as you notice any changes or struggles.
If you suspect hearing loss in yourself, or a loved one, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Let our family help your family! Book a consultation with our friendly audiologists who will provide you with any assistance.
If you enjoyed this blog, read more about hearing aid representations in the TV and film industry by reading our previous blog ‘Representations of Hearing Loss in Films and TV Part 1’.
