How elite athletes are reshaping conversations about hearing technology
Phonak ambassadors Sara Mearns and Robin Gillon show how modern hearing technology can support identity, lifestyle, and pride of wear. Clinicians can share these stories to help move clients from curiosity to confidence.
When prominent performers and athletes speak openly about hearing loss, their stories can reshape how people think about hearing technology. They shift the conversation away from assumptions of limitation and toward what modern hearing solutions can make possible: communication, connection, and full participation in everyday life.
For hearing care professionals, this visibility offers relatable material you can use in counseling to reduce hesitation about taking the next step, especially for clients who wonder whether hearing technology can keep up with their lifestyle or communication demands.
These stories also help clients clarify what matters most to them and choose solutions that fit their goals and preferences.
Sara: “My hearing technology is my superpower”
A recent voice is Sara Mearns, principal dancer with New York City Ballet and a Phonak ambassador. Her story is a strong reminder that when hearing technology fits well into someone’s life, it can strengthen confidence as much as it improves hearing.
In a People Magazine article and accompanying testimonial video, Sara reflected on years of managing hearing difficulties and how this affected her communication and comfort in rehearsal and live performance settings. She described the shift she experienced once fitted with Phonak Virto hearing technology that stayed secure during intensive movement. These changes increased her access to auditory cues, interactions with other dancers, and the musicality essential to her performance.
Sara’s story shows how hearing technology can play an important role across every aspect of life, including in high-performance settings. It also reinforces that improved hearing supports more than sound awareness. It can make communication feel easier and help people re-engage with experiences that may have become more effortful over time.
Robin: hearing technology he’s proud to wear
Another story comes from the slopes. Robin Gillon, a professional skier and Phonak ambassador, has lived with hearing loss since early childhood and built a demanding athletic career that relies on fast communication, strong environmental awareness, and consistent performance in changing outdoor conditions.
In the video below, Robin shares how modern design and secure fit changed how he feels wearing hearing technology, on and off the slopes.
Robin’s story is a clear reminder that design can change how hearing technology feels to wear. He describes Virto R as sleek and modern and says he genuinely likes the look of it and feels proud to wear it, reinforced by a custom fit that stays secure in active situations. That pride matters clinically because when hearing technology feels like a personal choice and a premium one, clients are often more willing to start. They are also more likely to wear it consistently.
His experience also reinforces practical priorities for active clients: secure fit, durability, and reliable sound access in dynamic situations. And by speaking openly, he helps normalize hearing technology for people who lead physically demanding lifestyles.
Why these stories matter for clinical practice
For hearing care professionals, ambassador stories offer more than inspiration. They provide practical narratives that can support counseling conversations at different points in the hearing journey. They also help clients view hearing devices as technology that supports personal goals, identity, and connection.
Clinicians may consider the following approaches:
- Integrate stories into counseling conversations.
Clients who are uncertain about hearing technology often find it helpful to hear relatable stories. Stories from dancers, skiers, and other performers can help normalize hearing technology use. - Use stories to support shared decision-making.
Clients can reflect on the activities that matter most to them. Seeing how others use hearing technology in both quiet and highly dynamic settings may help them clarify goals and expectations for device use. - Incorporate narratives into follow-up care.
Ambassador stories can help reinforce motivation and support continued engagement with hearing technology over time.
Moving the conversation forward
As more high-performing individuals speak openly about their hearing loss, they help broaden the public understanding of what hearing technology can make possible. These narratives complement the work carried out every day in hearing care clinics.
Hearing solutions like Phonak Infinio isn’t only about hearing more clearly. It’s sleek, modern technology that can support well-being and make it easier to stay connected to the people and activities that matter.
What is the ambassador program?
Phonak’s Brand Ambassador Program is a global initiative that brings together individuals with hearing loss from around the world. Ambassadors contribute in four ways: they share personal stories, promote hearing health and hearing care, provide factual and perception-friendly information, and help connect communities with resources, care, and with each other.
The goal is to raise awareness by humanizing lived experience, reducing hesitation about hearing loss and hearing technology, and encouraging earlier testing, prevention, and access to hearing care.
Today, the program includes six global ambassadors across sports, music, and the arts. Ambassadors are involved in outreach and public-facing initiatives, often beyond traditional hearing industry channels. Stories like Sara Mearns’ and Robin Gillon’s show how lived experience can reach broader audiences and encourage more open conversations about hearing loss.
Want another example to share with clients?
Watch this short video of Robin as he follows his dream of flying a plane, and talks about how hearing technology supports what’s possible.
Co-author
Moon Vitiello, Public Relations Manager, Phonak Global at Sonova Group
Moon leads the global ambassador program at Phonak including recruitment, contract negotiation, media training and relations, campaign creation and execution, and long-term relationship management across key markets.