Akadiri Opeyemi, a hearing-impaired entrepreneur, faced numerous challenges on her path to self-realization, including battles with low self-esteem, depression, and thoughts of suicide. In a conversation with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI, the 28-year-old reflects on the impact of losing her hearing to measles in childhood and how she turned life’s obstacles into sources of inspiration for others.
How was your upbringing?
Coming from Akoko in Ondo State, my childhood was notably tough due to the diminishing affection from my parents when my hearing problems emerged.
Were you born with a hearing impairment?
No, the hearing loss occurred after I had measles at age seven, which lasted about a year. I vividly remember being covered in chickenpox and referred to as a ghost when my mother applied calamine lotion to my entire body. It was during our time in a rented apartment in Akure.
The hearing issues worsened in my second term of JSS1 in 2006. Accepting this new reality was immensely painful for me.
Sometimes I could partially hear loud voices, providing a sense of comfort that sound still existed around me. However, there were moments of complete silence, adding to the challenge.
The aftermath of the illness also affected my eyesight, leading to my reliance on prescription glasses due to nearsightedness and blurry vision since childhood. The struggle with vision prompted concerns from my parents, noticing me getting closer to the TV at a young age, eventually leading to the need for glasses at ten.
Did your family seek medical help, and what were the outcomes?
Despite their efforts, my parents initially struggled to accept my condition, attributing it to my own responsibility. They resorted to seeking medical assistance, including visits to the Ondo State General Hospital, where experts recommended overseas treatment due to financial constraints.
Various alternative remedies and religious healing efforts were also pursued, with little success in improving my hearing. By SS1, I insisted on hospital visits only, triggering severe punishment from my parents, intensifying my emotional turmoil.
How was your experience in school as a hearing-impaired individual?
School presented challenges as I struggled to hear lectures, especially when seated at the back, often leading to ridicule from classmates and impacting my self-esteem, fueling thoughts of suicide.
The difference in speech patterns and struggles with comprehension made classroom interactions daunting, affecting my overall academic experience.
What did you study in university?
I pursued Ecotourism and Wildlife Management at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, graduating in 2022 and undergoing the National Youth Service Corps in the subsequent year.
Did your hearing impairment influence your career path?
My aspirations to become a surgeon were overshadowed by my condition, leading to a shift in career focus towards Ecotourism and Wildlife Management. Despite initial discouragement, I persevered through challenges with family support.
What other obstacles did you encounter?
Facing vulnerability and exploitation, including instances of betrayal and misunderstanding due to my hearing impairment, added to the emotional burden. Misinterpretations and struggles with communication further complicated social interactions, necessitating resilience and self-assertion.
Discovering strategies like lip-reading to navigate conversations became essential, empowering me to confront misunderstandings and assert my identity despite societal biases and misconceptions.
Engaging with adversities has shaped my resilience and determination to overcome societal barriers, emerging as a source of strength and inspiration for others facing similar challenges.
I have always found joy in speaking and explaining things to people. My intonation is a blend of British and American styles, and I am adept at engaging in conversations by lip reading.
During tough times, how do you keep yourself motivated?
I firmly believe that challenging phases are temporary, and resilience is key to overcoming them. I hold onto the belief that brighter days are on the horizon, trusting in divine intervention to see me through.
The repercussions of the physical discipline I received from my mother impacted my hearing, particularly evident when I suffered a dislocated jaw in 2018 following a severe beating.
One vivid memory was when I fled to the school’s health center because I could barely open my mouth, exacerbating the pain with every attempt to speak.
Upon referral to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo, I reached out to my elder sister, then a youth corps member, for assistance.
She promptly sent financial support through our father, who accompanied me to the hospital.
At the hospital, as I narrated my ordeals, the doctor marveled at my detailed recollection of past events, underscoring how negative experiences tend to imprint deeply in memory.
Regrettably, my father neglected to follow through with the prescribed treatment, leading to a strain in our relationship and exacerbating my existing hearing issues.
The doctor attributed the lingering echoes in my ears to the repercussions of the physical trauma I had endured, emphasizing the importance of seeking timely medical interventions over traditional remedies.
Who is your source of inspiration and why?
I draw inspiration from within, aligning with the affirmation of my inherent worth and capabilities as proclaimed by a higher power. My resilience stems from surviving the adversity of the measles outbreak in 2001/2002, motivating me to strive for personal growth.
What leisure activities do you enjoy?
My hobbies include writing, indulging in K-dramas and C-dramas, and relishing solitude to explore and express my thoughts freely.
What is your current occupation?
I run a small-scale perfume business as an entrepreneur, sparked by a creative impulse and entrepreneurial spirit.
How do you manage the balance between your personal and professional life?
Navigating my hearing impairment adds complexity to communication, restricting me to text-based interactions due to my inability to perceive voice messages. Despite facing societal inquiries and jests about my personal life choices, I persevere daily.
Share a memorable joyous moment from your life.
Notable moments of happiness include securing admission to FUTA, receiving generous financial assistance from a close friend, kickstarting my perfume venture, and acquiring my current phone as a gift.
Do you receive support from your family?
My family offers moral and occasional financial backing. Nevertheless, I envision myself as a solitary journeyer, seeking acknowledgment and validation from those who recognize my intrinsic value.
Have you experienced instances of shame?
I have encountered body shaming due to my physique and discriminatory treatment owing to my hearing impairment. Past experiences of marginalization in group settings left lasting emotional scars.
Can you narrate an unforgettable episode from your life?
The profound grief of witnessing my immediate younger brother’s sudden demise on a chilling Sunday night in May 2018 remains a haunting memory etched in my heart.
Are you currently in a relationship?
No, I am not in a relationship. Heartbreaks intertwined with partners’ hesitance to introduce me to their families due to my hearing impairment have left me shattered and uncertain about my worth.
How did you muster strength in the face of hurtful remarks?
Initially fragile to disparaging comments, I gradually developed resilience over time, lessening the emotional impact of hurtful words on my self-esteem.
What advice do you offer individuals with disabilities?
Embrace self-affirmation, cherish each day, value meaningful relationships, and uphold faith in your inner strength. Never succumb to despair, for you are a remarkable creation deserving of love and respect.
What blessings do you feel grateful for?
Gratitude fills me each morning as I bask in the beauty of life, affirming my self-worth and nurturing a positive outlook. Despite financial constraints, I focus on expanding my business, thankful for the gift of life, supportive family, and the presence of cherished individuals.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I envision a future as a virtuous individual, wedded to a supportive spouse, operating a bulk sales store, and living authentically without the shadow of societal judgment. I remain grateful for life’s blessings and cherish the journey ahead.