I recently attended the Center for Disability Inclusion Summit in the U.S. Midwest. While I listened to the presenters, my cochlear implant was quite noticeable with its blue butterfly decal. Draped around my neck was the green and yellow sunflower lanyard, which is to be worn to show that I have an invisible disability of deafness. Both the bright CI decal and lanyard brought visibility to my disability. This is an effort to erase the stigma of hearing loss and deafness: by making the invisible visible.
This is my “why” behind the purpose of the Show Me Your Ears campaign. Check out hundreds of photos from individuals around the world who have decided to bring visibility to our disability and to erase stigma.
Want to participate in Show Me Your Ears?
Comment below if you are interested in submitting your #ShowMeYourEars photo. I will follow up via email with more details.
Photo description:
A profile image of Shanna Groves with a visible blue butterfly-blinged cochlear implant behind her left ear. A green neck lanyard features yellow sunflower designs. The words are “Can you see my CI? #ShowMeYourEars”.
Lipreading Mom 
#ShowMeYourEars give me more details to participate.
Hi Sherry! You can email your photo, along with the following details (brand of hearing device, how long you have worn the device) to my email at sgrovesuss(at)msn(dot)com.
Hi Shanna, your website looks great and I love your new campaign for visibility. I’ll try to connect online. How did you make the butterfly design on your c.i.”? I can’t quite see the lanyard but is that something you made? I’m in a constant battle with WordPress to make my site look the way I want. It’s frustrating! Congrats on your new look.
Hi Katherine – Thank you for reaching out. My cochlear implant “bling” was ordered from a cochlear implant decal seller on Etsy.
If you want to share a photo for #ShowMeYourEars, please send me an email to sgrovesuss(at)msn(dot)com. Thanks for your support and nice words!