The 35-year-old has had profound hearing loss since childhood and wears hearing aids from Sonova brand Phonak. 

She is the first Brazilian volleyball player with hearing loss to play at professional level and to make it into her country’s national team. 

Having played successfully for a number of leading Brazilian clubs, Martins decided to join Dinamo Bucureşti in Romania last year.

Sonova made a short film about her life, following Martins journey as she moved to Europe.

The film aims to inspire others with hearing loss. 

"We are delighted to be working with Natália Martins," said Arnd Kaldowski, chief executive of Sonova.

"Her commitment as a brand ambassador for Sonova helps raise awareness of the importance of hearing among the population at large, introduces them to new role models and supports people with hearing loss.

"Our latest film portrait is a great example of the Sonova Group’s corporate vision in action - it shows how innovative hearing solutions can help people live a life without limitations."

Martins earned a silver medal with Brazil at the Pan American Women's Volleyball Cup in 2008.