David Eigenberg, known for his role as Christopher Herrmann on NBC’s Chicago Fire, has taken a heartfelt step by incorporating his real-life experience with hearing loss into his character’s storyline. Going forward, Herrmann will wear hearing aids, just like Eigenberg himself, marking a significant moment of representation in the show.
Life Imitates Art
The 59-year-old actor has been managing hearing loss for decades and recently decided it was time to reflect this reality on screen. After consulting with the show’s creators and producers, Eigenberg’s character now wears hearing aids, a choice that mirrors his personal journey.
“I need them in real life, so it was written into the show because I’ve reached the point where I really need them,” Eigenberg shared in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “I’ve been wearing them for years, but this season, I sent an email to the writers and said, ‘I can’t hear very well anymore. I’ve had enough concussions and other injuries that my hearing is shot.’ They were kind enough to incorporate it, and I think it’s a wonderful thing. A lot of people use hearing aids now—it’s very normal.”
Embracing Vulnerability
Despite the practical benefits of hearing aids, coping with hearing loss has not always been easy for Eigenberg. “It’s gotten me down sometimes. I don’t love it,” he admitted. “But they’re a great tool to help you stay engaged. Without them, you can’t hear well, and it takes you out of the loop. Wearing them brings you back into participation, and I’m really glad we’re showing that.”
He further noted the challenges firefighters face when dealing with such vulnerabilities. “Firefighters with hearing aids or even one eye exist in Chicago, but at some point, if you can’t keep yourself and others safe, you can’t do the job. That reality is part of the vulnerability we’re exploring.”
A Familiar Storyline
This isn’t the first time Eigenberg’s personal experience with hearing loss has influenced a role. In the HBO series And Just Like That, his iconic Sex and the City character Steve Brady also embraced the challenges of aging, including wearing hearing aids.
“When [showrunner] Michael Patrick [King] reconnected with David about the show, the first thing David said was, ‘I got hearing aids,’” writer Elisa Zuritsky revealed to Vanity Fair. “That became part of Steve’s tone about aging.”
The storyline resonated with fans as Steve candidly declared in the series premiere, “I got hearing aids. I’m an old-timer now.”
A Longstanding Legacy
While Eigenberg has embraced new opportunities with And Just Like That, he remains a cornerstone of Chicago Fire. His decision to bring his personal experiences into Herrmann’s journey underscores the depth of his connection to his character and the show’s commitment to authenticity.
As Chicago Fire continues to captivate audiences, Herrmann’s new storyline not only adds a layer of realism but also shines a light on the realities faced by many individuals with hearing loss.
