There are many well-known people who were born deaf or became deaf in their lifetime. Interestingly, many of them did not let their sometimes severe hearing loss prevent them from furthering their careers.
In the 18th century, Ludwig van Beethoven was known to continue his musical career despite increasing hearing loss. Beethoven was a German-born composer who lived in Vienna for most of his career. In the 1790s, when he was in his twenties, he had ringing in his ears, followed by increasing hearing loss. He continued to compose his symphonies even after becoming completely deaf. There were no hearing aids as we know them at the time, but he used a special rod to help him hear. Beethoven is a good example of someone who didn’t let their disability stop him from doing what he wanted to do. His music is still loved around the world today.
The story of Helen Keller has recently become known. At a young age, she developed an infectious disease that made her deaf and blind. Her teacher Annie Sullivan was able to break into with her as a child, and she developed sufficient communication skills to graduate from college and become a prolific writer and political activist. The movie The Miracle Worker tells its story.
William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy are said to have tinnitus (ringing in the ears) due to loud noises on the set of Star Trek. The extent to which their hearing is actually affected is not known to the public. However, both continued their careers despite some hearing impairments.
Recently, two former presidents, Ronald Regan and Bill Clinton, have worn hearing aids. They continued their commitments despite hearing loss.
Miss America, Heather Whitestone, went deaf after a febrile illness as a child. She is the first deaf person to become Miss America. She has since had a cochlear implant which has improved her hearing.
These are just a few people who have had great success despite hearing loss. There are also many more that could be included here. Hearing loss, although a problem, can be overcome.