My Abutment – Original

This artwork represents a deeply personal reflection on my journey with hearing loss, self-acceptance, and resilience. Years ago, I gradually lost the bones in both my middle ears, severing the natural pathway for sound to reach my inner ear. The solution came in the form of a Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA), connected through a small titanium abutment implanted in my skull. Yet, for years, I resisted this device—fearing how I would look, how others might perceive me, and the weight of feeling different.

Everything changed when my youngest son was born profoundly deaf. Supporting him through his own hearing loss journey gave me the courage to embrace my own. Three years ago, I chose to get my BAHA implants, and today, I wear them with pride. They don’t define me, but they are a part of my unique way of experiencing the world.

Through my art, I share this journey—not just for myself but for future generations. I hope that children growing up with hearing differences will see themselves reflected in my work and feel proud of who they are. Our uniqueness is our strength, and there is power in embracing it.”