This blog is written in English to align with upcoming international initiatives and to connect with a global audience.
Hearing is one of the most underestimated senses. It’s not only about perceiving sound; it’s about connection, belonging, and navigating the complexities of life. But for many, hearing isn’t effortless—it’s a struggle that impacts their ability to fully engage with the world around them.
As an audiologist and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) practitioner, I witness this daily. Hearing challenges like tinnitus, hyperacusis, low-frequency noise sensitivity, or mild hearing loss aren’t just technical issues; they influence how people live, work, and relate to others. This is especially true for those whose hearing difficulties remain “invisible” to society and even to standard audiological assessments.
Take, for example, individuals in their sixties, standing at the threshold of retirement. Many experience mild age-related hearing loss that falls just below the clinical threshold for intervention. At a hearing test, they might hear: “Your hearing is normal for your age.” But for them, it’s far from normal. They struggle to follow conversations in noisy environments, mishear colleagues at work, or find social events exhausting. These challenges ripple outward, often leading to deeper issues such as fatigue from constant concentration, feelings of inadequacy or frustration, withdrawal from social and professional situations, and loneliness, burnout, or even depression and tinnitus.
These individuals often fall through the cracks, receiving little to no support because their hearing isn’t “bad enough” to qualify for treatment. Yet the psychological toll is immense, sometimes pushing them out of work and into isolation long before retirement was their choice.
This is where ACT offers a new perspective. ACT doesn’t aim to eliminate discomfort but teaches us to live alongside it, focusing on what truly matters. For those with hearing challenges, ACT can help normalize their struggles by reframing hearing loss as part of their experience, rather than something that defines them. It encourages mindfulness, helping individuals focus on the present moment instead of fixating on what they can’t hear. Most importantly, ACT redirects attention to values—whether it’s maintaining relationships, pursuing creativity, or continuing to contribute at work.
For someone experiencing mild hearing loss, ACT could be the difference between disengaging from life and finding new ways to stay connected despite challenges.
As an artist, I see parallels between the struggles of hearing and the role of art. Art invites us to perceive beyond the surface—to see meaning where others see abstraction, to feel what cannot be put into words. When I create art on acoustically absorbent canvases, inspired by the elements of nature, I’m reminded of the silence and noise that coexist in all of us. A turbulent sea or a quiet mountain peak—what my art evokes depends on the viewer, just as hearing is unique to each individual.
Art and audiology share a common goal: to help people connect. Whether it’s through sound, silence, or visual expression, both remind us that we belong to something greater.
The world of hearing care needs a shift in perspective. We must recognize that even mild hearing loss can have profound effects on someone’s life. It’s not enough to say, “Your hearing is fine for your age.” Instead, we must ask deeper questions. How is your hearing affecting your life? What can we do to support you in navigating these challenges? How can we address not just the hearing, but the human being behind it?
At the heart of this conversation lies hope—the belief that things can improve, both for individuals with hearing challenges and for society as a whole. Small acts of understanding, moments of listening, and compassionate care can ripple outward, creating a world where everyone feels heard.
As we step into 2025, my message is simple: let’s listen more deeply—to each other, to art, and to those whose struggles often go unheard. Whether it’s through ACT, audiology, or the transformative power of art, we have the tools to build a world where connection and belonging are possible for all.
Because hearing is not just about sound—it’s about being human. Let’s never stop listening.
Where art meets science.
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