Mason Branstrator, a social media influencer and advocate for people with disabilities, continues to provide education and resources on hearing health and adaptive living to his growing online community. After a skiing accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, Branstrator could have retreated from his ambitions.
However, his drive to overcome both physical challenges and childhood hearing loss has propelled him to help others facing similar difficulties.
“I decided to do everything possible to turn my trauma into a triumph, and part of that was sharing my story and experiences on social media so I could connect with as many people as possible. That evolved into my current passion of providing education and resources to others with physical disabilities. It’s all about building a community – answering people’s most personal questions and connecting them with products and services that will improve their quality of life.”
–Mason Branstrator
Branstrator’s social media presence continues to grow, offering support and insight to people across the globe dealing with physical disabilities and hearing loss. He is also actively engaged in adaptive sports and outdoor activities. His hearing aids and wheelchair are key tools that enable him to maintain his active lifestyle and stay connected to his community.
Remaining Active & Amplifying Social Connections
In addition to social media, Branstrator finds opportunities to connect with others through sports and outdoor activities. His philosophy is centered around inclusion and ensuring that people feel welcome, regardless of physical limitations. Despite his challenges, Branstrator is committed to staying socially active and involved in conversations.
Branstrator’s hearing loss began after eardrum surgery during his childhood, which left him with limited hearing ability. For years, this made conversations with family and friends difficult, and it also affected his ability to discern the direction and distance of sounds. While his first hearing aid provided some relief, concerns about it falling out during soccer, combined with frequent battery changes, prompted him to search for a more reliable solution.
“Being paralyzed could have made me totally ignore my hearing loss – I easily could have chosen to not improve my hearing situation given some of the other major challenges I was facing,” Branstrator said. “But I decided to go in the opposite direction, to take the best care of myself physically and mentally, and that meant caring for my hearing health to optimize my life.”
A New Level of Hearing
Branstrator’s search led him to Dr. Sara Downs, an audiologist at Hearing Wellness Center and Tinnitus Treatment Center in Duluth, Minnesota. Dr. Downs fitted him with Signia’s Silk Charge&Go IX completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid, a solution that aligned with Branstrator’s lifestyle and hearing needs. The ultra-small, discreet design allowed Branstrator to benefit from the technology immediately after his fitting.
“Having the opportunity to fit Mason with hearing technology that improves his quality of life is exactly why I became an audiologist. Mason has taken a life-altering event and turned it into a journey of encouraging others in similar circumstances. Signia’s Silk Charge&Go IX was the best choice for this determined young man because of its incredibly discrete design and fantastic sound quality. In addition to supporting his active life, knowing that Silk Charge&Go IX empowers Mason to enjoy music again puts a smile on my face.”
–Dr. Sara Downs
The CIC hearing aid not only improved Branstrator’s hearing during conversations but also enhanced his overall safety, particularly when crossing busy streets. The device’s directional hearing capabilities provide a critical advantage in everyday activities.
“Its ultra-compact, nearly invisible design blends effortlessly into my life,” Branstrator said. “I can hear better in group conversations, all while wearing a hearing aid I can wear confidently and comfortably throughout the day. I’m hearing with much better directionality too, which gives me a big safety advantage especially as I’m crossing busy streets.”
Branstrator has also found that the hearing aid enhances his enjoyment of music, which plays an important role in his life. “I remember the first time I heard music using Signia I got so emotional,” he recalled. “I thought finally, I’m hearing what everybody else is hearing! I hear both audio channels of the music and all of the lyrics.”
The Signia Silk Charge&Go IX is designed to keep up with Branstrator’s active lifestyle. He no longer has to worry about the hearing aid falling out during activities, as the special tip ensures a secure fit inside the ear canal. Additionally, the portable charger eliminates the need for frequent battery changes and keeps the device powered throughout the day. The charger’s built-in power bank even provides up to four days of additional charges.
In Branstrator’s busy, purpose-driven life, his choice of the Silk Charge&Go IX represents his dedication to finding solutions that allow him to live independently and help others overcome their own challenges.
For more information about Mason Branstrator, visit his profiles on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. To learn more about the Signia Silk Charge&Go IX, click here.
About Signia
Signia is a leading global hearing aid brand, dedicated to advancing human performance through innovative hearing solutions. Since its launch in 2016, the company has introduced several world-first technologies and is recognized for its pioneering work in rechargeable hearing aids. Signia’s portfolio also includes apps and tools to enhance user experience and empower hearing aid wearers to manage their hearing health more effectively.
