In a world full of sound, suffering from hearing loss or being deaf can create tremendous obstacles in life that are not easily overcome. Despite the challenges, a few possess the drive and empowerment that uplifts the human spirit. In celebration of Women’s History Month, we would like to spotlight five amazing women with hearing loss who have conquered fear and risen above any idea of disability, and have gone on to help shape the world.
Women With Hearing Loss: A Women’s History Month Spotlight
Helen Keller
Quite possibly the most famous deaf person in the world, Hellen Keller stunned the world by becoming the first deaf and blind person who learned to read and write. Her life and contributions to the lives of the hearing impaired are the stuff of legend. In 1904 she earned her bachelor’s degree of arts from Radcliffe College at Harvard University. She was a prolific author and public speaker and advocated for the rights of disabled persons her entire life and carrier.
Evelyn Glennie
One of the most amazing women on this list, Evelyn Glennie, is an award-winning percussionist; she has been awarded two Grammies and 15 honorary degrees, despite being deaf since the age of twelve. Her 2003 TED talk titled “How to Truly Listen” has been viewed over two million times on Youtube.
Gertrude Ederle
Known as the “Queen of the Waves,” Gertrude Ederle was the first woman to swim across the English Channel and broke the record. She is showcased at both the British National Women’s Hall of Fame and the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Even after almost 100 years, Gertrude Ederle is still an inspiration to many young female swimmers to this very day.
Halle Berry
In 1991 Halle Berry lost 80% of her hearing in one ear due to being assaulted by a violent boyfriend. Since then, she has gone on to win numerous awards for her acting carrier and continues to speak publicly about her experiences, and helps raise awareness of the dangers of domestic violence.
Rikki Poynter
Rikki was diagnosed as being deaf early in her childhood. At 28 years old, she is an activist, consultant, public speaker, and content creator; her Youtube channel has over 90,000 subscribers. Her work, which includes articles and videos, has inspired many people worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Helen Keller was a deaf and blind woman who became the first person with these disabilities to learn to read and write. She earned a bachelor's degree from Radcliffe College at Harvard, authored many works, and was a lifelong advocate for the rights of disabled persons.
Evelyn Glennie is an award-winning percussionist who has been deaf since age twelve. She has won two Grammys, received 15 honorary degrees, and delivered a popular TED talk on how to truly listen, inspiring millions.
Gertrude Ederle was the first woman to swim across the English Channel, setting a new record. She is honored in both the British National Women's Hall of Fame and the International Swimming Hall of Fame, continuing to inspire swimmers today.
Halle Berry lost 80% of her hearing in one ear after an assault in 1991. She has since built a successful acting career, won numerous awards, and actively raises awareness about domestic violence and her experiences with hearing loss.
Diagnosed as deaf in childhood, Rikki Poynter is an activist, consultant, public speaker, and content creator with a popular YouTube channel. She inspires many worldwide through her articles and videos focused on deaf awareness and inclusion.
These women demonstrate that hearing loss does not limit success. Through achievements in various fields such as education, music, sports, acting, and activism, they break stereotypes and empower others to overcome challenges.
