Jessica M. is 17 years old and lives in the United States.
Jessica is the only hearing impaired student at her high school and she is ranked in the top 3 % of US field hockey goalies. Last year she earned a gold medal at the Nationals.

I am 17 years old and live in a fairly rural area.  I live with my parents and three sisters and I’m the third daughter.  

I have worn my hearing aids since age 3. I don't remember life without them. I was born with my hearing loss though it was not discovered until later. My doctor thinks my hearing loss is genetic through a recessive gene.  

My hearing aids are a real part of me. Sometimes I forget I have them in and have to reach up and feel them to remember that I’m actually wearing them. My hearing aids are my best friends. I can't imagine life without them. I am proud of my hearing aids and always wear behind-the-ear aids. I don't feel the need to hide them. They are a part of me and it helps people understand more about me.

My bad experiences include forgetting my hearing aids were in and jumping in the pool - they were brand new and then went I got the replacements I left them in a towel and my mom washed them. Two sets of hearing aids in three weeks! I was only 8 but I have been very careful since then.

The only thing I would change about my hearing aids is they should be waterproof.

I am very good in sports and would like to go to the Olympics someday. Moisture is definitely a problem.

What things can I do despite my hearing loss? I have to tell you - the bill of rights has made it clear, a hearing impaired person can do anything. I am no different from any other teenager. I love my family, my friends, and my country. I’ve been a cheerleader, play sports year round, studied professional dance, got a driver’s license, fight with my sisters, and I am looking forward to college.