Stäfa, Switzerland – November 5, 2025 – Sara Mearns, the first principal dancer with hearing loss at the renowned New York City Ballet, joins Phonak, a global leader in hearing care solutions, as Brand Ambassador and Hearing Health Champion. In this role, Sara will focus on raising public awareness about hearing health, normalizing conversations around hearing loss, and highlighting the importance of hearing solutions. As a Phonak Ambassador, Sara is committed to sharing her personal hearing journey, including the struggles and triumphs of living with hearing loss, to inspire others. Sara hopes that by openly discussing her own hearing loss, the importance of hearing protection, and the benefits of hearing solutions, she will encourage others to take proactive steps to protect their hearing or take action to hear better.
Known for her exceptional versatility and musicality, Sara is an internationally celebrated ballet dancer with featured roles in beloved classics such as Swan Lake and George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. Sara started to talk about her 10-year struggle with hearing loss on her Instagram, sharing that she wore hearing aids for the first time during her performance as the Sugarplum Fairy in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker with the New York City Ballet this past Christmas.
Sara first had an issue with her hearing after she attended a rehearsal held in an enclosed “metal gym” where around 100 drummers played for an hour. When she left the gym, Sara began to struggle with her hearing. After a few days, she went to a doctor and learned that she had hearing loss in low registers in both ears.
Sara Mearns, Phonak Ambassador
Photo Credit: Sarah Silver
“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,” recalls Sara. “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 growing roster 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.
Photo Credit: Sarah Silver
“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.”
Photo Credit: Sarah Silver
To discover more about Phonak visit Phonak.com or follow Phonak on Instagram @phonak
To discover more about Sara Mearns, follow her on Instagram @saramearns
