Pro Soccer Player Overcomes Hearing Loss

Soccer is probably one of the most famous sports played around the world. Every four years, countries will participate in the World Cup resulting in communities around the world gathering together around the TV to cheer their teams on at any hour of the day or night.

Many of the major teams and athletes have reached celebrity fame simply from their careers in the sport. Soccer is unique in a way that its global reach still brings many people together in camaraderie. Many young people will dream of becoming a famous athlete and some do reach those dreams. For others, they will stop at nothing until their dreams are realized.

Here is one story of a young soccer player who did not let his hearing loss stand in the way of achieving his dreams.

Simon Ollert has always wanted to be a professional soccer player for as far back as he can remember. He dreamed of playing for professional teams like the English Premier League, German Bundesliga, or Spanish top league. Despite his profound hearing loss his determination to achieve his goals has helped him move past his disability and still reach his dream.

“I have always set myself goals and always achieved them. If you really want something, you’ll get it.”Simon Ollert

Born in the south of Germany, Ollert was diagnosed with profound hearing loss in both ears when he was 2 years old. His hearing aids became his favorite thing when he was first fitted with them and have since become his life-long tools.

His father said that when he was fitted for his hearing aids, “he never wanted to take them off.” After he was diagnosed, he and his family worked hard to improve his speech and communication skills. That work ethic also translated into his pursuit of becoming a soccer player.

When he was a child, he wrote, “Become a professional soccer player!” on a piece of paper and hung it over his bed. Determined to live a life without limits, he played his whole life at home and as a part of a youth squad at FC Ingolstadt. He often would practice until dark and would be ready to train at the youth squad the very next day.

As a soccer player, his coach remarked that Ollert has a solid foundation, is talented, hardworking, and has great technique. Because he was deprived of hearing, he also played differently from his teammates. He had to learn to play intelligently and rely more on his vision to compensate for his lack of hearing. His coach stated that Ollert excels in soccer because he has honed his peripheral vision and his ability to sense opportunities like taking a shot at the goal.

Ollert has done remarkably well and him and his teammates at FC Ingolstsadt won a promotion to the first division of German Bundesliga in 2015. As of now, Simon is only the second deaf or hard of hearing professional soccer player in German history.

Ollert says, “I have always set myself goals and always achieved them. If you really want something, you’ll get it.”

Ollert’s inspiring story caught the attention of many—particularly Sonova, a leading hearing aid manufacturer and parent company to popular brands such as Phonak. In fact, Ollert wears Phonak hearing aids.

Sonova created a short commercial film titled “Life Without Limitations.” The movie won a gold award at an International Commercial Film Festival. After the short film was featured, Ollert hosted a soccer camp for 30 children with hearing loss. He wants to inspire others with hearing loss to achieve their dreams. Simon’s future looks quite bright and his efforts to help others do the same is encouraging. He states, “My story shows just what you can achieve despite hearing loss. I have a great life and don’t feel restricted in the slightest.”

Don’t let hearing loss stand in the way of your dreams! Contact us at one of our My Hearing Centers locations today for a consultation.