In this episode of Mental Matters, host Asekho Toto speaks with a guest who shares their deeply personal journey of navigating life with hearing loss. From the slow, subtle onset of hearing challenges to the life-changing moment of receiving hearing aids and later cochlear implants, this conversation sheds light on the emotional, social, and professional struggles people with disabilities often face — and the strength required to overcome them.

Together, they explore:

• The stigma and misconceptions surrounding disabilities, especially invisible ones like hearing loss.

• How losing a sense later in life reshapes identity, mental health, and daily living.

• The role of self-advocacy in securing accessibility at work and in society.

• Strategies for kindness, resilience, and self-acceptance in the face of disability.

• Why inclusion and awareness in schools, companies, and communities are essential for true accessibility.

This episode is both eye-opening and empowering, offering hope, validation, and practical lessons for anyone living with — or supporting someone with — a disability.