PEOPLE ARE SO EMBARRASSED BY HEARING AIDS. I’VE LEARNT TO EMBRACE MINE
I first noticed my hearing changing in my 20s, but it was only in one ear. At the time, it didn’t feel like a major issue – you can continue to live a full life even with hearing in just one ear. It was only in my late 30s, when I felt my other ear starting to go, that it became something I couldn’t ignore.
I later discovered my hearing loss is caused by a degenerative condition called otosclerosis, which affects the stapes – the smallest bone in the body. It acts like a tiny piston, transmitting sound into the inner ear. It’s often referred to as a “sticky stirrup”, both because of its shape and what happens to it. When the stapes become fixed or fused to the surrounding bone, it can no longer move freely, leading to conductive hearing loss.
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it’s more common in women and often begins in the mid-20s, which is when my symptoms first started.
It can be treated with surgery but I wasn’t a candidate, because of the way the bone had fused it meant a stapes replacement wouldn’t be effective. As a result, I’ve worn hearing aids since I was about 28.
When I first got them, I felt self-conscious in a way I hadn’t expected. Typically, hearing aids are still seen as something of a limitation, but at that age – already so invested in my jewellery business – I made a conscious decision to see them differently. Rather than feeling defined by them, I chose to embrace them as part of my everyday style.
It’s so important to be upfront about hearing loss
One of my biggest fears is people thinking I’m a bit slow because I can’t follow the conversation in certain loud environments or if someone has a particularly low tone. So I prefer to be upfront about my hearing loss, simply because I want to engage with people. I don’t see that as a weakness, I see that as a confidence and a strength to be able to admit that.
Now in my 40s, I feel confident in who I am and in my personal style. As the founder of Missoma, jewellery has always played a part in that – it’s the finishing touch that helps me feel more self-assured and ready to step into the day. Everyone has their thing that they love experimenting with, and for me, it’s my jewellery layering and stacking. I specifically love to wear lots of different earrings, which I suppose makes a feature of my hearing aids, rather than trying to disguise them.
My jewellery rules
Wearing jewellery doesn’t need to be complicated. I love mixing metals and textures because I’ve always loved juxtapositions – the coolness of the silver with the warmth of the gold.
As much as I like to say there are no rules, I do have my own personal preferences. I either wear lots of little earrings or one statement style. If you have multiple piercings, I think it looks chic to have lots of little huggies going up the ear. If you don’t, you can always add the effect with an ear cuff.
If I’m going to wear statement earrings, then I’d wear a really simple chain necklace to let the earrings take centre stage, or with more delicate earrings you can play around with a bit more layering around the neck. I think it’s about balance, like when you do more natural eye makeup with a bold red lipstick.
I love seeing how people make jewellery their own, styling it in ways that reflect their individuality. For those who aren’t sure where to begin, Missoma offers curated styling starter sets, those go-to everyday pieces that take the guesswork out of getting dressed, while still making you feel effortlessly put together.
Having those jewellery staples, the pieces you reach for without hesitation, is so important to help you feel confident and ready for the day ahead.
Change your mindset
My advice to anyone starting to wear hearing aids is to think about them in the same way we do glasses – they’re simply a tool to help you. Ask yourself: what’s more important? Being part of the conversations you want to be in, fully engaged, or trying to hide something?
In my experience, nothing is ever made better by hiding it. It’s about owning it, being honest, and not feeling embarrassed because life is too short. Your quality of life should always come first.
I would also really encourage anyone who suspects they may have hearing loss to get tested. The earlier you support your hearing, the better it is for communication, engagement, and potentially your long-term cognitive health.
Research from organisations like the National Institutes of Health and Johns Hopkins University, including a 2023 study, has shown a link between untreated hearing loss and faster cognitive decline, particularly in those who have a higher risk of dementia.
We’re also living in a world where differences don’t need to be hidden. They can simply be part of who we are. It’s those unique experiences that make people interesting and quietly shape who we are.
As told to Tamara Abraham
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