
ANNA BLAIR
SARSFIELD
A CREATIVE BASED IN NEW YORK CITY
Life as the hearing deaf
I began taking dance lessons at age 2 for a very specific purpose--I needed to sharpen my skills of listening and following directions, and my parents thought ballet class would be a fun way for me to do just that. I had recently been diagnosed with severe hearing loss, began wearing hearing aids, and needed this extra practice listening and following directions to help me reach the goal of being able to communicate with the world around me using only listening and clear spoken language. And so the ballet lessons began.......
Although my hearing loss quickly deteriorated to profound deafness, I was still able to learn to listen and speak clearly as a young child thanks to the miraculous technology of cochlear implants and intensive Auditory-Verbal Therapy. Fast-forward 20 years, and here I am in NYC with the very specific purpose of pursuing what quickly turned from a purpose to my passion.
Throughout my life, I have continued to advocate for those with hearing loss/deafness and for the use of listening and spoken language. My success serves as an inspiration to others as it showcases what can be accomplished in spite of the numerous challenges that must be overcome when living a disability.
Advocating for others through my public speaking engagements and serving as a mentor and role model to others with hearing loss or deafness are roles that I hold dear. I am forever grateful for dance, the role it has played in my life so far, and how it has allowed me to encourage and inspire others while educating them about hearing loss, deafness, and cochlear implants.
Follow along on my Instagram for more insight into my life as the hearing deaf!

SOCIAL FEED
View my Instagram feed below to get a snapshot of my dance reels, fashion shoots, and insight into what life is like with cochlear implants!
































































































