Newly-crowned Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux, has addressed her challenges in communicating as a person with profound hearing loss. Through highlighting her struggles, the beauty queen has advocated for more inclusivity for individuals with hearing loss.
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Mia le Roux, the 28-year-old stunner who took the crown from former Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert on Saturday 10 August has addressed her challenges in communicating in crowds as a person with significant hearing loss.
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Le Roux was diagnosed with “profound hearing loss” when she was a year old. Her community rallied behind her for support, funding a cochlear implant that makes use of specialised technology that enables her to hear and respond others.
Even with the use of this technology, the beauty queen says that there are still some challenges that she faces with communicating and understanding others as a deaf person. In an interview with The Sowetan, she said:
“The challenge I face is that I communicate differently, and I need to be catered for in how I communicate,” she said. “I cannot communicate in crowded rooms as everything becomes one noise. One-on-one is better and clear. There is also no need to over-enunciate. Just speak clear, look at me in the face so I can read your lips.”
Through addressing these struggles openly, Mia has not only guided others on how to communicate with her and others with cochlear implants more effectively, she has proved her overall commitment towards advocating for inclusivity for anyone who has previously felt excluded.
As a titleholder of the national pageant, the beauty queen is expected to represent the nation at upcoming local and international events.
This includes le Roux’ expected participation in Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico, where the beauty queen would become the first deaf contestant to take part in the international pageant.
Mia Le Roux is the first Miss SA Winner who is deaf & has a cochlear implant. She will be the first contestant at the Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico with such a disability to take part in the competition. This is a compelling story that could make her win Miss Universe! #MissSA2024 pic.twitter.com/xMMuj7Bzgl
— Prof. Cam Modisane, Ph.D. (@DrCamModisane) August 10, 2024
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Feature Image: Instagram / @official_misssa
