Today, March 3, marks World Hearing Day. This day of awareness is part of a World Health Organisation campaign which seeks to make people more aware of deafness prevention measures, and promote ear and hearing care across the globe.
A vast number of lives are affected by hearing loss. Across the world, 430 million people would benefit from hearing technology in certain situations, according to Resound.
When it comes to celebrities who use hearing aid technology, it may surprise you that some of the biggest names in music, film and politics rely on it to achieve success in their respective careers. Here are just some of them.
Paul McCartney
The Beatles singer and songwriter Sir Paul McCartney suffers from hearing loss, which comes after a long, successful career in the music industry. To the delight of his fans across the world, Paul continues to make music nearly 60 years since The Beatles released their debut single 'Love Me Do', relying on his hearing aid technology to allow him to do so.
Whoopi Goldberg
Actor and comedian Whoopi Goldberg suffers from low-frequency hearing loss. This is a much less common type of hearing loss which makes it hard for the Sister Act star to hear lower-pitched tones.
Whoopi attributes her hearing loss to years of listening to loud music in her youth. She is now an advocate for hearing protection.
Halle Berry
Actress Halle Berry suffers from significant hearing loss, and has been spotted wearing hearing aids since the mid-noughties. Tragically, the star's hearing loss is the result of domestic violence; her ex-boyfriend punctured her eardrum, causing her to lose 80% of her hearing in one ear.
In addition to her incredible acting career, Academy Award winner Halle has used her experience to raise awareness for abuse victims. She supports the Jenesse Center program, an American program which aims to intervene with and prevent domestic violence situations.
Bill Clinton
42nd president of the United States Bill Clinton was diagnosed with high-frequency hearing loss during his second term in office, at the age of 51. In 1997, he announced that he was using an in-the-canal hearing aid to help him navigate his daily tasks.
25 years on, Bill is still a huge advocate for hearing aid technology. The former president publicly supports and commends hearing aid trusts.
Jodie Foster
American actress, director and producer Jodie Foster has suffered from hearing loss and vertigo for a number of years. In the past, she has seemingly brushed off her disability, referring to it as 'just this hearing loss thing'.
Jodie relies on an in-the-ear hearing aid, which has enabled the The Silence of the Lambs star to enjoy a hugely successful acting career. In addition to The Silence of the Lambs, the former child star has delivered notable and award-winning performances in Panic Room, The Mauritanian, and more.
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