Toni Trucks: Championing Hearing Health and Female Empowerment

Toni Trucks, the dynamic actress best known for her role as Lisa Davis in the hit CBS/Paramount+ series SEAL Team, has made a lasting impact both on-screen and off. Starring as the only female lead in the show, Trucks holds her own alongside co-stars like David Boreanaz, bringing grit, intelligence, and depth to a male-dominated setting. But beyond her captivating performances, Toni is using her platform to raise awareness about a deeply personal issue—hearing loss. As a passionate advocate for early detection, she hopes to destigmatize hearing aids and promote the importance of hearing health, which has been linked to cognitive well-being.In this interview, Toni opens up about her journey with hearing loss, her mission to empower others, and how her portrayal of Lisa Davis has influenced her both personally and professionally.

Embracing Hearing Health: A Personal Journey

Toni’s path to understanding her hearing loss began early, though it was ignored for much of her life. “My hearing loss was largely ignored for most of my life,” Toni admits. “Even when acknowledged, treatment was discouraged. I followed suit and disregarded it from the age of five onward.” Despite the early signs, her hearing difficulties didn’t seem to disrupt her daily life until she began studying music in university.

It wasn’t until a year ago, when helping her father with his own hearing challenges, that a specialist noticed Toni subtly reading lips—a behavior she hadn’t realized she was doing. This prompted another hearing test, but this time, the diagnosis was different. She was fitted with prescription hearing aids, a moment she describes as “incredibly moving.” “The world was a lot louder and busier than I thought,” she recalls. This experience has had a profound impact on her health perspective, making her an outspoken advocate for hearing health.

The Importance of Early Detection

Awareness is at the core of Toni’s message. “Understanding that hearing loss is a normal part of life is a good first step,” she says. Yet hearing health often takes a backseat compared to regular eye and dental checkups. Toni hopes to change this mindset, particularly as untreated hearing loss has been linked to dementia and other cognitive issues. “Most people experience some level of loss by age 40, sometimes earlier,” she explains. She advises people of all ages to get regular hearing screenings and to protect their ears from daily noise exposure, whether it’s at concerts or from something as simple as using a hairdryer.

Using Her Platform for Audiology Awareness

October is Audiology Awareness Month, and Toni is leveraging her voice to break down the stigma surrounding hearing aids and encourage people to prioritize their auditory health. “For me, learning that hearing health is firmly attached to brain health was truly life-altering,” she shares. Studies have shown that untreated mild hearing loss can double the risk of dementia, while severe untreated hearing loss can increase it fivefold. “Hearing health equals brain health,” Toni asserts. She hopes to help shift public perception so that hearing tests become as routine as eye exams, especially for younger generations.

Signs of Early Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can often go unnoticed, as was the case with Toni. “You don’t even know what you’re missing until you are shown,” she notes. She encourages people to be mindful of subtle signs, such as needing the TV volume turned up or frequently asking people to repeat themselves. Even if you aren’t experiencing noticeable symptoms, Toni advocates for everyone to get tested as a preventive measure.

A Trailblazing Role in SEAL Team

As Lisa Davis in SEAL Team, Toni Trucks portrays a strong, intelligent woman thriving in a male-dominated environment. This role has left a lasting impression on her, giving her a new level of respect for real-life women who work in similar spaces. “Lisa Davis was written to have grit, guts, and wit. She was relentless in her pursuit of success,” Toni explains. The role has influenced her personal life as well, inspiring her to carry some of Lisa’s fearlessness into her own endeavors.

Reflecting on SEAL Team, which recently wrapped up after seven seasons, Toni appreciates the journey her character has taken, rising through the ranks from a petty officer to a lieutenant. “I can only hope this character has added a positive note to the greater conversation about women in leadership positions, especially in male-dominated fields.”

Representation Matters

As a woman of color leading in a popular action series, Toni feels a deep responsibility in her role. “I am the proudest when I reach someone that feels personally represented by ‘Lisa,’” she shares. For her, meeting women, particularly women of color, who see themselves reflected in her character is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.

Connecting Hearing Health and Cognitive Health

Toni is particularly passionate about raising awareness of the connection between untreated hearing loss and cognitive health. “Hearing loss is considered the #1 most modifiable risk factor for preventing dementia,” she notes. By sharing this information, she hopes to inspire others to take action to protect both their hearing and their brain health. “We don’t hear with our ears; we hear with our brains,” she emphasizes.

Looking Ahead: New Projects and Passions

As she steps away from SEAL Team, Toni Trucks is excited about the next chapter in her career. While she hasn’t yet settled on her next project, she is intrigued by the possibility of working in the sci-fi genre. “Something that pokes at the imagination a bit,” she says with a smile.

Finding Balance and Wellbeing

For Toni, health and wellness extend beyond the physical. With the demands of a high-profile career, she places great importance on mental and emotional wellbeing. “I have taken great steps to ensure my personal life looks and feels quite different than my professional life,” she reveals. Time alone is essential for her to recharge, whether it’s through a peaceful walk or journaling. One of her favorite self-care rituals? “Sitting in a rocking chair. The rocking chair doesn’t get nearly enough credit for all its healing properties.”

In the end, Toni Trucks is not only a force on screen but a powerful advocate for health, wellbeing, and representation. Through her personal journey with hearing loss and her impactful portrayal of women in leadership, she continues to inspire and uplift others, both in Hollywood and beyond.

DISCOVER: instagram.com/tonitrucks

Photographer: Ben Cope
Stylist: Douglas VanLaningham
Hair: Kylee Heath
Makeup: Sean Harris