Zaakirah N. Muhammad

Zaakirah N. Muhammad

Photographer • Communicator

I don’t believe any of the things I’ve gotten to do, or even get (through), would be possible if it wasn’t for the hearing devices I have become accustomed to wearing for more than 15 years now. I try to imagine how life would be without hearing aids… and I can’t help but say how grateful I am.

Discovering Hearing Difficulties

“According to my mother, I was four years old when I first dealt with a hearing loss,” said Zaakirah. “My mother noticed my hearing loss when we were at an outdoor book fair. I disappeared and when she found me again, I was very, very close to a loudspeaker just enjoying (some) music. The sound could be heard throughout the park, but the fact that I was very close to it (worried her).”

When she started school, Zaakirah’s teachers soon shared her mother’s concerns.

“Nothing was observed prior to starting pre-k. However, every student received a hearing test at the school I attended in Tennessee. Sometime around the same time, being in school, I was always a quiet student. But then a teacher noticed I was not always responsive, and when the teacher told my mom that, everything changed. The (hearing) test results were of a mild loss, which resulted in an audiologist referral, and then wearing my first pair of hearing aids by five years old.”

Finding the Right Solution

“It did take some time while growing up to adjust (to) not being so self-conscious about the devices sticking out of my ear that always grabbed the attention of others. As soon as I was able to accept that I was born to stand out, and I will always look different from others, I was able to allow more happiness into my life and no longer be bothered by the hearing aids… With hearing aids, I (am) unstoppable and (feel) unlimited. I have graduated high school, received two photography related certifications, traveled to eight countries, and am a published photographer and videographer.”

Why Zaakirah is a HearStrong Champion

I firmly believe my life’s purpose is to inspire and make a difference in someone’s life. Everything that I was blessed to accomplish within (my life) really symbolizes the positive impact having hearing aids has had. If it was not for having hearing aids at a young age, I don’t think I would be as confident, as much of an adventurer, or as independent and strong as I have grown to become.

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