Matt Hay

Matt was a sophomore in college when he finds out he is going to lose his hearing. He coasts through the early years of his diagnosis in denial, but as his hearing aids get bigger and bigger, Matt realizes he wants to capture the sounds that are slipping away: his girlfriend’s voice, the click of her heels, and especially, the songs of their invincible youth. Matt starts listening to music with a new appreciation — truly studying it, as he curates the soundtrack for the rest of his life. Behind each song, there is a coming-of-age story about freedom, tragedy, and falling in love. When Matt’s hearing eventually fades to nothing, the silent soundtrack in his head takes on a role he never imagines. The audience for his story of overcoming the physical, mental and emotional challenges always changes but his authentic delivery never does. He shares his message in hopes to keep someone from ever feeling as lost, helpless and alone as he did the day he woke up deaf…the day sound became only a memory.