IWD 2026: Meet the Women Turning Hearing Loss Into a Superpower

WD 2026: Meet the Women Turning Hearing Loss Into a Superpower

For many women, hearing loss is a part of everyday life, something they navigate alongside careers, families, friendships and community involvement. This International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting women who are living and working confidently with hearing loss. Their stories highlight how they continue to stay connected and engaged in the moments that matter most.

Competing At The Highest Level

Australian Olympic swimmer Meg Harris has spoken about living with moderate hearing loss in both ears since the age of six. In a sport where split-second reactions matter and communication with coaches is key, she has continued to train and compete at an elite level.¹

High-performance environments often rely on visual signals, structured routines and teamwork. Harris’ experience reflects how athletes can adapt to communication styles that work for them while remaining fully engaged in competition.

Her story reinforces an important reality that hearing loss does not prevent women from pursuing their dreams at the highest level of competition.

Performing On The World Stage

Actor and singer Millie Bobby Brown has shared that she has hearing loss in one ear.² Working in film, television and music, she continues to perform in environments that rely heavily on sound. Production sets are busy, dynamic spaces where communication happens quickly. 

Like many people with hearing loss, Brown has spoken about adapting to environments where sound isn’t always predictable. Her career highlights how creativity and performance can continue to thrive alongside hearing loss. 

Redefining Sound

World-renowned percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie was eight when she started to lose her hearing before being diagnosed as profoundly deaf at the age of 12.³ Rather than stepping away from music, Glennie developed a different relationship with sound. She performs barefoot, sensing vibrations through her body. 

Her approach has influenced how audiences and performers think about listening, not only as something we hear but as something we feel. Her career continues to show how participation in sound-rich environments can take many forms.

Staying Strong On The Track

Australian distance runner Melinda Vernon was born profoundly deaf and has represented Australia at multiple Deaflympic Games. Competing in athletics often relies on timing, rhythm and awareness of surroundings. Vernon has spoken about how her hearing loss encouraged her to develop strong visual focus and body awareness, skills that support her performance across running.⁴ 

She has competed internationally and continues to stay involved in sport, showing how hearing loss can be part of an active and competitive life. Her experience reflects how women with hearing loss continue to pursue their goals, participate fully and remain connected in the environments that matter to them

Supporting Your Own Hearing Journey

International Women’s Day celebrates participation and possibility. If you’re curious about your own hearing or want to feel more confident staying connected in everyday moments, a hearing check can provide helpful insight. 
Book an appointment at your local Connect Hearing clinic today. Our team of experts can support your hearing health and help you stay connected to the world around you and the moments that matter most.

1. Deaf Sports Australia (n.d.), Exclusive interview with Olympian swimmer Meg Harris, www.deafsports.org.au, accessed 23 February 2026. 
2. Audiology World News (n.d.), Actress Millie Bobby Brown talks about being partially deaf, www.audiology-worldnews.com, accessed 23 February 2026. 
3. Evelyn Glennie (28 May 2019), I’m a Grammy Award Winning Musician and I’m Deaf, www.evelyn.co.uk, accessed 23 February 2026. 
4. Runner’s World (2 December 2009), Melinda Vernon, Australian Star Runner Despite Disability, www.runnersworld.com, accessed 23 February 2026.