Do you recognize that feeling? The idea that hearing aids are often unfairly surrounded by prejudice and stigma? Sometimes this prevents people from seeking the necessary help for their hearing loss, simply because they are afraid of being looked at differently. But here is good news: a fresh, positive wind is blowing through these outdated ways of thinking. More and more Dutch celebrities, such as Henkjan Smits, DJ Mental Theo, Anna Drijver and now Jeroen Latijnhouwers, are breaking these taboos by speaking openly about their own hearing loss. Let's see how these celebrities are transforming the stigma around hearing aids!
A 'eureka moment' for hearing loss
X Factor judge Henkjan Smits broke his silence a few years ago about severe hearing loss, caused by prolonged exposure to loud music. One-on-one conversations were no problem, but group conversations became difficult due to the background noise. Smits, initially reluctant due to vanity, eventually opted for hearing aids that sit like 'contact lenses' close to the eardrum, invisible to others. He now shares his story openly to break the taboo and make people aware of available solutions, also in the Netherlands. As a communication coach, he is determined to be honest about his hearing problem and to inspire others to do the same.
Hearing problems and acceptance
Actress Anna Drijver, currently best known for her role in the series Undercover, has shared her own hearing challenges. Her hearing condition could be fixed with surgery, but her doctor advised her to wear a hearing aid. Anna initially reacted with surprise, but eventually she decided to wear the hearing aids. She compared it to wearing glasses, which she has a lot of understanding for. "There are a lot of people, including children and young people who have had them for years, so they know a lot more about it than I do. I'm just starting out, but I already have respect and more understanding for others with hearing issues," she shared on Instagram.
Anna Drijver not only talks about her hearing challenges, but also delves deeper into the progressive condition that affects her hearing. She says she is afraid that her hearing will get worse, and this makes it difficult to talk about. "It is very vulnerable for me," she says in an interview with Het Parool.
A New Voice in the Silence of Hearing Loss
Jeroen Latijnhouwers, a well-known face in the Dutch media as a newsreader and presenter, joins the growing group of Dutch celebrities who speak openly about hearing loss. He is the new face of Phonak because he wants to convey that people do not have to be ashamed of wearing a hearing aid.
The Phonak Lumity
Phonak Lumity hearing aids are advanced hearing solutions that combine innovative technology and wearable comfort. They offer clear sound, seamless connectivity, adaptability to individual hearing needs, comfort and long battery life for an excellent listening experience. And you guessed it, we have the latest Phonak Lumity devices in our range!
Are you also ready to break the silence (literally)?
The fact that famous Dutch people like Henkjan Smits, DJ Mental Theo, Anna Drijver and now also Jeroen Latijnhouwers openly talk about hearing loss, shows that the time of silence is over. Hearing problems are a part of life that we can all encounter, and these famous faces contribute to a world in which hearing loss is not an obstacle to a full and vibrant life.
The hearing aids that many celebrities use:
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Phonak Audéo Lumity L90-RL - waterproof - rechargeable
€ 1,795.00 -
Phonak Audéo Lumity L90-R - rechargeable
€ 1,695.00 -
Phonak Lumity Slim L90-R - rechargeable
€ 1,805.00 -
Phonak Naida L90-UP
€ 1,595.00