In 1970, Jennifer was born with a severe-to-profound hearing loss due to congenital Rubella. At her parents’ encouragement, she quickly adopted hearing technology and developed an appreciation for the value it brings to her life.

Jennifer went to a special needs school as a young child, but as she was not completely deaf nor completely hearing, she felt as if she was stuck between two worlds. She later attended mainstream school and thrived.

“My mother worked with the teachers to show them how to use the FM equipment as well as providing great tips such as facing me, avoiding brightly lit windows, and placing me up in front of the class,” says Jennifer.

“I’ve discovered there is no shame in wearing hearing aids and, in fact, my hearing aids are decorated with glittering crystals and I wear bright pink and white swirled ear molds. Virtually everyone who meets me is quick to exclaim, ‘I love your hearing aids!’”

Jennifer is proud to not only show off her hearing devices, but take the time to discuss them with others and help them understand the reality of hearing loss.

“Being bold has opened many doors, and because I embrace my hearing aids, it has made it a more welcoming and enlightening experience for others who want to learn more about being hard-of-hearing,” says Jennifer.

“I’ve had many people approach me and ask all sorts of curious questions about hearing loss and they often request where they can get a pair of hearing aids and ear molds just like mine. They’ve learned that it doesn’t matter how old you are, anyone can have a hearing loss, and it’s just a matter of accepting it and moving forward in life.”

Jennifer is a HearStrong Champion because she has made it a priority in her life to shatter stigmas surrounding heairng loss and prove that hearing aids are nothing to be ashamed of! She has been recognized for her efforts as a HearStrong Champion, and in 2010, she became the first Canadian to receive an Oticon Focus on People Award.