Many people advocate for greater awareness of hearing loss, but few have the influence of Paul Simon. Paul started losing his hearing about three years ago, but earlier this year the hearing loss decreased even more in his left ear. Losing your hearing is traumatic for anyone, but perhaps even more so for a musician whose work revolves around sound.
Instead of hiding behind stigma or shame, Paul Simon has decided to use his personal experiences with hearing loss for good. Through a series of small group performances and a press tour with the media, Paul is helping to not only raise awareness about the challenges of hearing loss, but also educate the public about the ongoing scientific research that gives hope.
Thank you Pablo Simon for the work you are doing to combat the stigma of hearing loss and for promoting Stanford’s initiative to cure hearing loss (SICHL), a group of scientists at Stanford University working together to develop biological treatments and cures for hearing loss.
Role models can break the stigma of hearing loss
The stigma of hearing loss often prevents people from recognizing their hearing loss, seeking treatment, or even mentioning it. This was certainly the case for me at the beginning of my hearing loss journey. But well-known role models like Paul Simon, who openly share their experiences with hearing loss, can help change all that.
If Paul Simon wears headphones, maybe it won’t be so bad for me to do it too.
Learn more about Paul Simon’s journey to hearing loss in the clips below.
CBS News
90 seconds with Lisa Kim
Hearing loss research for treatments and cures
It is very important to me to support scientific research on hearing loss. Only through research will scientists discover new ways to prevent, treat and cure hearing loss in children. 1.5 billion people around the world who today have some degree of hearing loss. This figure is expected to increase to 2.5 billion by 2050.
Scientific research is often carried out in silos, with each researcher focusing on a specific, separate experimental question. But SICHL is different. I have been impressed by the way SICHL researchers work as a team, sharing experience, methods and physical plant resources to accelerate the timeline towards viable solutions.
Much work remains to be done in the search for biological treatments and cures for hearing loss, but progress continues. I encourage anyone affected by hearing loss to consider supporting this important work in whatever way is most meaningful to you.
Readers, do you support scientific research into treatments and cures for hearing loss?
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