Imagine gracing the stages of the world's most elite ballet companies while silently grappling with a profound personal challenge—hearing loss that could sideline even the strongest performers. This is the remarkable reality for Sara Mearns, and it's why her new role as Phonak's global brand ambassador is set to ignite conversations about hearing health like never before.
From Stäfa, Switzerland, on November 5, 2025—via GlobeNewswire—Phonak, a trailblazing company at the forefront of innovative hearing care technologies, has proudly welcomed Sara Mearns into their fold. As the trailblazing first principal dancer (think of that as the top-tier soloist who leads the most demanding roles in a ballet troupe) with hearing loss at the prestigious New York City Ballet, Sara steps up as both Brand Ambassador and Hearing Health Champion. In this influential position, she'll dedicate her efforts to boosting public knowledge on hearing wellness, making discussions about hearing challenges feel everyday and approachable, and underscoring just how crucial modern hearing aids and solutions are for a fuller life. Drawing from her own experiences, Sara plans to openly share the ups and downs of navigating hearing loss—from the daily frustrations to the empowering victories—to motivate people everywhere. She believes that by candidly addressing her story, the need for safeguarding our ears in noisy environments, and the life-enhancing perks of hearing devices, she can nudge others toward proactive choices, whether that's preventing damage or seeking help to reclaim clear sound.
Sara has earned worldwide acclaim for her incredible range and deep connection to music, shining in iconic productions like the graceful elegance of Swan Lake or the festive magic of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. For beginners dipping into ballet lore, these aren't just shows—they're timeless masterpieces that demand perfect timing and rhythm, making Sara's achievements all the more astonishing. She first went public with her decade-long battle against hearing loss via her Instagram posts, revealing a poignant milestone: slipping on hearing aids for the very first time while embodying the enchanting Sugarplum Fairy in The Nutcracker during last Christmas's New York City Ballet performance. It's a moment that blends vulnerability with triumph, showing how technology can harmonize with artistry.
The turning point for Sara came after a grueling rehearsal in a confined 'metal gym' space, where the thunderous beat of about 100 drummers echoed for a full hour—imagine the sheer volume assaulting your ears in such close quarters, a common risk in high-energy creative fields. Emerging from that session, she noticed her hearing faltering right away. A doctor's visit just days later confirmed damage to the lower frequency ranges in both ears, a type of loss that can muffle deeper sounds like bass notes or distant voices, often overlooked until it builds.
"Things really escalated for me during the pandemic," Sara reflects, "when I suddenly couldn't make out conversations through all those masks. That's when it dawned on me—I'd been relying on lip-reading all along, more than actually hearing. It left me feeling isolated and unsure of myself." For those new to hearing issues, this highlights how subtle cues we take for granted, like seeing a speaker's mouth, become lifelines when sound fades. "Wearing hearing aids has been my way of rediscovering my self-worth and poise, both as an individual and as a performer on stage. Partnering with Phonak, I'm eager to spread awareness and give people the tools to safeguard one of our essential senses—hearing—before it's too late."
Sara's addition bolsters Phonak's impressive lineup of ambassadors, a diverse group that includes adrenaline-fueled athletes like World Cup skier Robin Gillon and Olympic kayaker Aaron Small, musical icons such as legendary guitarist Paul Gilbert, sports stars including pro soccer player Rylee Foster, and WNBA standout Emma Meesseman. This mix shows how hearing health touches every corner of high-performance life, from slopes to courts to concert halls.
Photo Credit: Sarah Silver
"Sara's path with hearing loss brings a fresh, eye-opening angle on what it means to face auditory changes as an adult, especially in a career built on sound and silence," notes Oliver Frank, Vice President of Phonak Marketing. "Her unyielding drive, passion for peak performance, and focus on personal health echo our own dedication to groundbreaking advancements and challenging limits in hearing tech." And this is the part most people miss: while hearing aids are often seen as a 'fix' for the elderly, Sara's story proves they're vital tools for anyone pushing their bodies and senses to the edge. "We're thrilled to team up with her to motivate, uplift, and drive real-world impact that extends far beyond the spotlight."
Want to dive deeper into Phonak's world? Head over to Phonak.com (https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=xRn7kXv2ylyxVX7BDJWKKquJ4QNF30QA8w9lbPB31fuwedYx6pgEbhD4kCKNxUVnDacsdlfPVbRdiOf43L3yIaVrrSfTeEWkKFXeY3oA=) or keep up with them on Instagram at @phonak (https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=xJ4MlXWblUU2oJkk6ZF0nWAJIIQ8sISnl8JR2H8IyNGYPZyulazpKenhdttzI9SeSUXn0UBo4imCd0aMjf3FxIIMGUcIooHVl9zGmnIxrQ=).
To learn more about Sara Mearns herself, check out her Instagram at @saramearns (https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=axB7ZOXXZuMB7Nh-yfMQHRHARpVNrNDmWgxyE-GZnyLdFD7Tb7WfBqWc-5nbsNQnXXao2gm0wZPJaec_-3VMR7ETVJG3aZ2MATFs9olIg=).
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About Phonak
Life. Is On. Since its inception in 1947 as part of the Sonova family, Phonak has been on a mission to elevate the lives of those dealing with hearing difficulties. Even after 75 years, that fire for developing transformative hearing technologies—ones that support physical vitality, social connections, and emotional well-being—burns as bright as ever. With the widest array of hearing products in the industry, from sleek aids to advanced implants, Phonak is all about fostering a reality where everyone can fully engage with the sounds of life.
But innovation at Phonak goes beyond gadgets; it's about reshaping mindsets. We tackle the outdated stigma attached to hearing devices, explaining in simple terms how healthy hearing ties into overall wellness—like better balance, sharper cognition, and stronger relationships. For example, untreated hearing loss can lead to social withdrawal, but proactive steps with tools like Phonak's can reverse that, helping users stay active and connected.
About Sonova
Sonova stands tall as a worldwide pioneer in cutting-edge hearing care, spanning everything from personal audio gadgets and wireless comms to professional audiology services, hearing aids, and cochlear implants. Born in 1947 and based in Stäfa, Switzerland, the company thrives across four key areas: Hearing Instruments, Audiological Care, Consumer Hearing, and Cochlear Implants. Its powerhouse brands include Phonak, Unitron, AudioNova, Sennheiser (via license), and Advanced Bionics, plus trusted local names. With sales networks spanning over 100 countries, Sonova reaches a vast and expanding audience. In the 2024/25 fiscal year, it posted sales of CHF 3.9 billion and a net profit of CHF 547 million, thanks to its roughly 18,000 dedicated team members all working toward a future where the joy of sound is universal.
Sonova's innovation legacy is unmatched—it ranked 12th among Europe's most inventive firms in 2025 by Fortune magazine, chosen from 300 contenders across 21 nations and 16 sectors. But here's where it gets controversial: in an era of rapid tech advances, should companies like Sonova prioritize accessibility for everyday users over premium features for the elite? It's a debate worth pondering.
For more details, visit www.sonova.com (https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=cqJZtwQ50DEkbttU9prHk45Ns-LrN2DSs5mcaxcbGabpFO3yiwnt2b2WpqYF8nog6g_bhvqj4fdflt5y3CM1xuahOQj7w33WAQUA2FQ=).
About the New York City Ballet
As one of the planet's premier dance ensembles, New York City Ballet has dazzled audiences since its founding in 1948 by visionaries George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein. It swiftly gained fame for its dynamic, modern flair—think powerful leaps and intricate footwork that redefine classical dance. The next year, Jerome Robbins came aboard, collaborating with Balanchine to craft an extraordinary collection of works that still captivate today. Now led by Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford, Associate Artistic Director Wendy Whelan, and Executive Director Katherine Brown, NYCB continues to champion artistic brilliance while mentoring tomorrow's dancers and choreographers. For newcomers, it's not just about the spectacle; it's a living archive of movement that influences global performing arts.
Images from this announcement can be found at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9cc7f43c-583e-4c15-88cc-e0ea13d3c824 (https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=lgi3KVL3QzuKRnqOq4IYqlcdUlUctxJCMXFvfnK9f8f7AGZIsGZJZkdLW6R6lP0aDEDvM9JhE-ZT8nWxBdBivTDXDGwRqivQk4ryurziMT7qS8Pn4doMW1wjbj49iZ3odLxH7FvuXrlHajeYHnzwyQcMhzmrneq6GnOpSkAjlDKcocCbe8u-1Fs8GiPBgxGS4MpU1Y0d5ew5oD0RbavRIxAfPQ4LQG83ZjhiAJ1qviJKk75iv7fMDUvaBDlEBXfB3TsqWZ2TidKswuRNruSw==)
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3ce9ae30-b8ca-4a73-8b87-c8794c2dcc33 (https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=lgi3KVL3QzuKRnqOq4IYqlcdUlUctxJCMXFvfnK9f8f7AGZIsGZJZkdLW6R6lP0aDEDvM9JhE-ZT8nWxBdBijTGYkhsfWnRyr3ZWH5FNdm4gNNeqQR8rz4fMiKOizGrLEUfJF9A9cYa7IZoHOLQlD2AQ18bj7pdi-EOK5ew36PCRZuwtc3uEg1UJ86rd7e6K2IISYrrLXh5f6QFGIVxf6oHJ59S8P-g-BZn7JnDf0vcCihU9gkfIMMBuz94EtBtYpPi094RqF4vNc14w==)
What do you think—does Sara's openness challenge the 'perfect' image of performers, or is it exactly what the arts world needs more of? Have you or someone you know faced similar hearing hurdles in a demanding job? Share your thoughts in the comments; let's spark a dialogue on breaking down these barriers!
