Imagine a world where the grace of ballet meets the challenges of hearing loss. This is the reality for Sara Mearns, the first principal dancer with hearing loss at the prestigious New York City Ballet, and now, a global brand ambassador for Phonak, a leader in hearing care solutions.
In a move that's both inspiring and groundbreaking, Sara Mearns is stepping into a new role as a Hearing Health Champion. Her mission? To shed light on the importance of hearing health, normalize conversations around hearing loss, and showcase the benefits of hearing solutions. As a Phonak Ambassador, Sara will share her personal journey, including the ups and downs of living with hearing loss, hoping to motivate others.
Sara's story is one of resilience and triumph. Known for her versatility and musicality, she has captivated audiences worldwide with leading roles in iconic ballets like Swan Lake and George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. But here's where it gets personal: Sara openly discussed her 10-year struggle with hearing loss on Instagram. She revealed that she first wore hearing aids during her performance as the Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker last Christmas.
Her hearing issues began after a rehearsal in an enclosed “metal gym” where around 100 drummers played for an hour. Following this, Sara noticed a decline in her hearing. A doctor's visit confirmed hearing loss in the lower registers of both ears.
"My hearing got worse during the pandemic when I realized that I had a problem because I couldn’t hear people talk with their masks on," Sara recalls. "Then it hit me, I couldn't see their mouths...this whole time, I’ve been watching people talk instead of listening to them. I felt uncertainty and loneliness. Using hearing aids is part of me reclaiming my value and confidence as a person again and as a dancer. Together with Phonak, I want to educate and empower others to protect one of their most vital senses – hearing."
Sara joins a distinguished group of Phonak Ambassadors, including World Cup skier Robin Gillon, Olympic kayaker Aaron Small, legendary guitarist Paul Gilbert, professional soccer player Rylee Foster and WNBA basketball player Emma Meesseman.
"Sara’s hearing loss journey is unique and offers a different perspective about losing one’s hearing later in life. Her tenacity, relentless commitment to performance and wellbeing perfectly mirror our brand’s commitment to tireless innovation and pushing boundaries," said Oliver Frank, Vice President of Phonak Marketing. "We’re excited to partner with Sara to inspire, empower and create positive change together, beyond the stage."
Want to learn more about Phonak? Visit Phonak.com. You can also follow Phonak on Instagram @phonak. To discover more about Sara Mearns, follow her on Instagram @saramearns.
But here's a thought-provoking question: Do you think Sara's story will inspire more people to prioritize their hearing health? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
About Phonak
Phonak, a Sonova brand since 1947, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those with hearing loss. With 75 years of experience, Phonak is committed to creating life-changing hearing solutions that support physical, social, and emotional well-being. Phonak's innovation goes beyond products; it aims to change conversations surrounding hearing loss by combating stigma and promoting understanding of hearing's connection to overall health.
About Sonova
Sonova, founded in 1947 and headquartered in Stäfa, Switzerland, is a global leader in innovative hearing care solutions. Operating through four businesses—Hearing Instruments, Audiological Care, Consumer Hearing, and Cochlear Implants—Sonova's core brands include Phonak, Unitron, AudioNova, Sennheiser (under license), and Advanced Bionics. With a presence in over 100 countries, Sonova serves a growing consumer base. In the 2024/25 financial year, Sonova generated sales of CHF 3.9 billion, with a net profit of CHF 547 million. The company has around 18,000 employees working towards its vision of a world where everyone enjoys the delight of hearing. Sonova was ranked no. 12 among the most innovative companies in Europe in 2025 by Fortune magazine.
About the New York City Ballet
Founded in 1948 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, the New York City Ballet (NYCB) is a world-renowned dance company known for its athletic and contemporary style. Under the direction of Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford and Executive Director Katherine Brown, NYCB is committed to creative excellence and nurturing the next generation of dancers and choreographers.
