“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” - Andy Warhol. Shari has experienced the denial and concealing of hearing loss while growing up in her own family. She understood her father’s feelings when she herself started experiencing hearing loss in her mid-twenties. Initially, Shari followed in her father’s footsteps and hid her condition while working for 20 years in wall street. Since her hearing loss is genetic she didn’t want her children to feel ashamed of it if they were affected. Shari decided to tackle the stigma regarding the hearing loss head-on. She founded LivingWithHearingLoss.com, an online community for people living with hearing loss and tinnitus where she shares her experiences which can be helpful for others in similar conditions. Shari also serves on the Board of Trustees of Hearing Loss Association of America and has previously served as the Board Chair of Hearing Health Foundation. Her articles on hearing loss advocacy have appeared in The Huffington Post, Psychology Today, The Hearing Journal, Hearing Health Magazine and others. Shari was recognized in 2015 as the HearStrong Champion for her wonderful work.

Can you tell us some of the ways you are changing the stigma surrounding hearing loss?S: My father had hearing loss, but never discussed it, always hiding his hearing aids behind long sideburns and never asking for assistance with communication. He made every effort to keep it a secret from his friends, family and co-workers, wearing his shame for us to see and eventually isolating himself from almost everyone. So, when I first developed hearing loss in my mid-20s, I was terrified and embarrassed, following in his footsteps. I hid my hearing loss from almost everyone and never spoke of it.
Once I had children this all changed. I saw them watching me laugh at jokes I hadn’t heard and make excuses for not hearing things. I knew that I was passing on the same bad feelings about hearing loss. I didn’t want them to feel negatively about it, in case they developed hearing problems as an adult like my father and I had. Something had to change. I came out of my hearing loss closet, began volunteering for hearing loss organizations and even started a blog about my experiences at LivingWithHearingLoss.com. I have never looked back.
Hearing loss can be frustrating, but it is nothing to be embarrassed about. With proper technological assistance and communication best practices, it does not need to stand in anyone’s way. I hope that by sharing my story through my blog and advocacy work, I will spare others the wasted time of stigma and shame.

How do you prepare and research topics related to hearing health advocacy for your blog?S: I write mostly about my personal experiences with hearing loss so my daily life provides inspiration for many of my posts. I share my feelings with my readers, but also suggest best practice tips that they can use when facing their own hearing loss challenges. I find other great topics through my involvement in the hearing loss and disability advocacy communities. I love to learn from advocates facing similar stigmas and challenges.
I also partner with a variety of hearing loss organizations for writing and/or speaking projects. This helps me stay current on the latest thinking in the sector. Attending conferences is great for trying out the newest technology that can benefit people with hearing loss and for staying up on research in the field. The more I know, the more information I can share with my readers.

What day to day challenges did you face when you were working as an Associate Director of U.S. Equity Research for JP Morgan?S: One of the most challenging things about being a manager is that a large part of the job is listening to other people’s secrets. All day long, I had people in my office telling me confidential information, which they often speak about in a quiet voice. Luckily for me I was not shy about asking clarifying questions to make sure I understood the issues fully, but sometimes it was hard to ask people to repeat their deepest secrets – only in a louder voice this time!
When I was at JP Morgan, I rarely disclosed my hearing loss since I was still suffering with the stigma, denial and embarrassment that sometimes surrounds hearing loss. In hindsight, I wish I had been more open about my hearing difficulties. It would have made things a lot less stressful.

How do you usually balance personal and professional life?S: Balance is a challenge for every passionate advocate, but also critical to success. Advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint, so I make sure to carve out time for my family and friends, especially my two teenage children. I also practice yoga regularly to help manage stress.

What are your other hobbies?S: I practice yoga daily and meditate regularly to keep me focused and healthy. I also enjoy hiking, long walks on the beach, attending the theater, and traveling to exotic destinations.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?S: My favorite place to visit is St. John in the Caribbean. The island is 2/3rds national park so there is always another beautiful hike to take — many of which lead to a breathtaking beach. I am always my happiest when surrounded by the beauty of the ocean.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?S: Growing up with any type of difference can be challenging, but it is also great training for the adversities of life. Help your children to accept their disability rather than try to hide it. When you are comfortable with yourself, others will be too. Encourage them to dream big and give them the tools they need to achieve their goals. Your love and support is the most important gift you can give them.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to become a blogger?S: Write about what you know and with an authentic voice. Your readers will appreciate your candor and come back for more. Soon, they will begin sharing their stories with you too.

Any special message for our community?S: I want to thank the community for its positive and inspiring message for people with disabilities. It is uplifting to see how much we can accomplish despite the challenges we face.