In South Africa, one in five people is affected by hearing loss, ranging from mild to severe. Marais du Plessis explains that hearing loss can have a significant economic impact, as it often hinders individuals’ ability to find work. Limited facilities and resources to help those with hearing loss only add to the problem. “It’s a crisis in Africa,” she explains. “If we don’t create awareness and campaign for better resources, the future will remain bleak for many.”

Marais du Plessis is keen on spreading the message that taking care of your hearing is a form of self-care. "People talk a lot about self-love and taking responsibility for your health," she says. "That includes your hearing. It’s just as important as taking care of your body, mind, and soul."

As part of her efforts, Marais du Plessis offers free screenings for schoolchildren and adults. She believes that early detection can make a world of difference for those struggling with hearing loss.

"The most rewarding part of my job is the moment I see the lights go back on in someone when we switch on a hearing aid," she shares. "It’s like opening a curtain, and suddenly they’re able to reconnect with the world around them. You see their body language change, their shoulders drop, and they just calm down."

Marais du Plessis also debunks some common misconceptions about hearing loss.

"One of the biggest misconceptions is that hearing loss only affects older people," she says. “That’s not true at all. Hearing loss can affect anyone, regardless of age. Noise pollution, using earphones for long periods, and viral infections can all contribute to hearing loss.

that people who are deaf are also incapable or "dumb," a misconception rooted in the historical labelling of schools for the deaf as "deaf and dumb”. While the language has changed the stigma around hearing loss remains.

“It’s a sensory issue, not a mental one. Just because someone is deaf doesn’t mean they’re any less intelligent or capable."

And what about some fun facts? Marais du Plessis reveals that: "Your ears never stop growing. They keep growing throughout your life,” she says giggling.

When asked about the most unusual sound she would love to hear, she admits she’s intrigued by the sounds of the deep ocean- though she’s terrified of diving into those waters herself.

“I would love to hear what the ocean sounds like underwater, the way you hear it on National Geographic,” she says.

Her favourite sound, however, is pure joy: “I love the sound of a baby laughing.”

Marais du Plessis also takes a moment to celebrate a breakthrough moment for the hearing community: "Mia le Roux, Miss South Africa with a hearing disability, is an absolute shining star," she says proudly. “It’s so empowering for all of us in the hearing industry. She proves that having a hearing disability doesn’t limit you. You can achieve everything you want and more.”

For Marais du Plessis, World Hearing Day is a reminder that hearing health should never be taken for granted. "Taking care of your hearing is so important," she says, "and we need to keep pushing for more awareness, better resources, and more education. It’s time to stop seeing hearing loss as something invisible and start empowering everyone to take charge of their hearing health."

As we celebrate World Hearing Day today, Marais du Plessis’s message is clear: listen up, take care of your hearing, and empower yourself and others to live life to the fullest.

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