Hearing Ambassadors
Rotarian Trish Greenwood started to lose her hearing at the age of 27 and struggled to find acceptance of her disability in the hearing world that she had always known. Determined to adapt, she wore hearing aids and learned BSL.
When she became profoundly deaf, she had a cochlear implant, but to her surprise, she discovered she was not accepted in a Deaf world either. So where does she belong? Watch here to discover more.
Pioneering ENT Surgeon Rotarian Professor Christopher Raine MBE explains how training, teamwork, and Rotary support are transforming hearing care in Malawi – a country with just a few ENT surgeons for 21 million people. Watch his video to discover how new diagnostic equipment and his visits from the UK are making a lasting difference to countless lives.
Ear Wax – a natural part of hearing health – but sometimes a bit of a nuisance!
When we think about hearing, ear wax probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But this sticky substance plays a surprisingly important role in keeping our ears healthy. So what exactly is ear wax – and what should we do about it when it builds up?
Ear wax, or cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in your ear canal. It’s made from a mix of dead skin cells, oils, and sweat. It might not sound very appealing, but ear wax has an important job:
️ Protecting – It traps dust, dirt, and even tiny insects, preventing them from reaching your eardrum.
Fighting infections – It has antibacterial properties to help prevent infections.
Moisturising – It keeps the delicate skin inside the ear from becoming dry or irritated.
In short, earwax is a self-cleaning, protective barrier for your ears.
Here is a fun YouTube video which explains Earwax from Colossal Cranium
Most of the time, earwax works its way out of the ear naturally, helped along by chewing and jaw movement. But sometimes it doesn’t leave the ear canal as it should. Common reasons for buildup include:
Using cotton buds (which can push wax further in)
Wearing hearing aids or earplugs regularly
Naturally narrow or curved ear canals
Overproduction of wax, which can happen as we age
If earwax builds up, it can cause symptoms like:
Muffled hearing
A feeling of fullness in the ear
Ringing (tinnitus)
Earache or even dizziness
Don’t stick anything in your ears. That includes cotton buds, fingers, hair pins or anything else – these can cause damage and push wax deeper.
Here are some safer ways to manage ear wax:
If you’re not having any symptoms, leave it alone. Most ear wax clears naturally without any need for treatment.
Over-the-counter ear drops (like olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops) can soften wax so it can work its way out more easily. These are safe for most people if used as directed.
If wax is causing problems, your GP or a trained ear care specialist can safely remove it. They might use:
Microsuction (gentle suction to remove wax)
Irrigation (flushing with warm water)
Manual removal with special tools
Always seek advice before trying anything new, especially if you have a perforated eardrum, ear infection, or wear hearing aids.
Hearing aid users are more likely to experience wax build-up, which can affect both hearing and the performance of the devices. Regular ear checks and hearing aid cleaning are essential to avoid feedback, blockage, and discomfort.
Ear wax might not be glamorous, but it’s a natural and important part of ear health. Understanding how it works – and knowing when to seek help – can make a big difference, especially if you’re managing hearing loss or using hearing aids.
When in doubt, leave it to the professionals. Your ears will thank you.
For lots of other interesting facts about healthy hearing please see Hearing Ambassadors Healthy Hearing Hub
We all know that too much noise can be annoying. But what if it’s doing more than just fraying our nerves? What if the sounds we’re surrounded by every day—traffic, leaf blowers, nightclub beats, even that never-ending building work—are doing real, lasting damage to our bodies?
It turns out, they are.
Noise is often brushed off as a minor inconvenience. We might roll our eyes at a loud neighbour or plug in headphones to drown out a train carriage. But medical researchers are starting to warn us that noise pollution—unwanted or harmful sound—isn’t just an irritant. It’s a health risk.
Prolonged exposure to loud noise doesn’t just affect your hearing (though that’s serious enough). Studies now show that noise can:
Increase your risk of heart disease
Disturb your sleep (even if you don’t fully wake up)
Raise your stress levels and blood pressure
Impair your concentration and mental well-being
Contribute to cognitive decline in older adults
That’s quite a list—and it’s not just about volume, but chronic exposure, even at moderate levels.
When your ears detect a loud or persistent loud sounds, your body reacts. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline surge. Your heart rate speeds up. Your muscles tighten. You go into a low-grade fight-or-flight state—without even realising it.
In a quiet woodland, this would be a short, healthy response to danger. But in the middle of city traffic or surrounded by constant background noise, it becomes ongoing. Over time, your body can’t keep up—and the results can be damaging.
While anyone can be affected by noise, some groups are particularly vulnerable:
Children, whose brains are still developing
Older adults, especially those already coping with hearing loss or dementia
Shift workers, who often sleep during the day in noisier environments
People living in urban or low-income areas, where traffic, transport, and crowd noise are hardest to escape
Of course, one of the most direct effects of loud sound is damage to our hearing. Regular exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (think lawnmower or loud café) can gradually damage the tiny hair cells in your inner ear. Once they’re gone, they don’t grow back.
But even before hearing loss sets in, noise can have an impact—causing ringing in the ears (tinnitus), difficulty concentrating, and auditory fatigue, where listening just becomes exhausting.
We can’t eliminate all noise from our lives, but we can take steps to protect ourselves:
Lower the volume on personal devices and TVs
Use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones in loud places
Create quiet zones at home—especially in bedrooms
Take regular breaks from noise, just as you would from a screen
Seek out nature whenever possible—green spaces are quieter and reduce stress
Raise awareness about noise pollution in your community
Noise isn’t just a background issue. It’s a silent threat to our health and well-being—and it deserves our attention. By understanding the risks and taking simple steps to reduce our exposure, we can protect our ears, our hearts, and our peace of mind.
So next time you find yourself cringing at the roar of a motorbike or the din of a busy café, trust your instinct. Your body knows what it’s doing—and it’s telling you: this noise is not good for me.
Further reading: There is a great article in The Guardian newspaper
Check out our Fun Facts on Sound Warriors website too!
When it comes to hearing well, having the right audiologist by your side can make all the difference. Whether you’re getting hearing aids for the first time, managing long-term hearing loss, or just starting to notice a change, your relationship with your audiologist plays a central role in how confident, supported, and successful you feel.
But what does make a good audiologist? And how do you know you’ve found one?
A good audiologist doesn’t just test your hearing; they listen to your story. They take time to understand your lifestyle, your concerns, and how hearing loss is affecting you. They’ll ask about the noisy cafés, the quiet phone calls, the frustration, the fatigue — and tailor their support accordingly.
The world of audiograms, decibels, and frequency ranges can be confusing. A good audiologist explains things in plain language, checks that you’ve understood, and makes sure you feel informed — not overwhelmed. You should never feel rushed or left with unanswered questions.
Hearing loss is personal, emotional, and sometimes unpredictable. A good audiologist gives you time to adjust, try things out, and make decisions at your own pace. They recognise that hearing well isn’t just about devices — it’s about confidence, connection, and dignity.
Not every hearing solution works straight away. A good audiologist manages expectations gently and honestly — they’ll let you know what to expect, when to ask for adjustments, and when to persevere or try something new. They never push unnecessary products.
The first fitting is just the start. A good audiologist checks in, encourages follow-up visits, and supports you through your hearing journey. They understand that your needs may change over time, and they’re ready to help — not just at the beginning, but throughout.
A good audiologist works with other professionals if needed — your GP, ENT specialist, or workplace. They’re part of your support team, and they don’t hesitate to refer you on if something is outside their scope. They want the best outcome for you.
If you’re not getting the support you need, it’s OK to speak up. You can ask for a second opinion, request a different audiologist, or even change providers. You deserve to feel heard and respected.
Whether your hearing care is through the NHS or a private clinic, you should feel confident in your audiologist’s care and comfortable in the process.
Your hearing is too important to settle for anything less.
Have you had a great (or not-so-great) experience with an audiologist? We’d love to hear your story. Leave a comment or message us directly.
The NHS website has some great information about what audiologists do.
#HearingHealth #Audiologist #HearingSupport #HearingLoss #GoodCommunication #HearingAmbassadors
We recently received a heartfelt message from one of our readers that really resonated — and we suspect it might with you too.
“While browsing the web yesterday I came across your very helpful site. I’m not sure how I didn’t pick it up sooner – but it was a very timely event as I’m feeling really quite down about my hearing. I’ll be 81 in a few days’ time…”
This gentleman’s story spans six decades of living with hearing loss — a journey marked by persistence, frustration, and resilience. Diagnosed in his twenties with significant hearing loss in one ear, he was told by hospital audiology that “it’s not something we can correct.” He was eventually given hearing aids, but support remained minimal.
Many years later, another hearing test showed that his other ear now had almost no hearing. Yet again, a consultant’s letter advised him to simply “carry on” with hearing aids — with no further investigation.
Fortunately, a referral to a specialist centre changed everything. There, doctors identified an acoustic schwannoma, a type of benign tumour, and provided targeted treatment and new hearing technology (BiCROS aids). For the first time in decades, he felt his hearing needs were properly understood — and his previously “poor” ear became the better one.
Now in his early 80s, he’s once again facing difficulties. Both sets of hearing aids — NHS and private — have let him down, and he fears his remaining hearing may be declining. Another specialist appointment is on the horizon, and he’s understandably anxious and hoping for answers.
Sadly, this story is not unique. Many people are told to simply “get on with it” — that hearing loss is inevitable, not treatable, or not worth further investigation. But here’s the truth:
You are entitled to proper care and attention — at any age.
Here are some steps you can take if you feel you’re not being listened to or supported:
If you feel something isn’t right — a sudden drop in hearing, one-sided loss, tinnitus, dizziness, or hearing aids no longer helping — don’t ignore it. Keep a simple log of your concerns to share with your GP or audiologist.
If your first consultation leaves you with more questions than answers, ask to be referred elsewhere — ideally to a specialist ENT or audiology centre. You have the right to be heard, quite literally.
Some conditions, like acoustic neuromas (schwannomas), can go undetected unless someone takes the time to investigate further. If your GP listens and takes action — as in the case above — it can make all the difference.
If you suspect your hearing aids are no longer working well, request a reassessment. You may need reprogramming, servicing, or new technology. If you have aids from both NHS and private providers, don’t be afraid to compare and ask questions.
You are not alone. Connecting with charities, support groups, or local hearing clinics can provide emotional support, practical tips, and sometimes even advocacy help.
We’re so grateful to our reader for sharing his story — and we wish him the very best at his upcoming appointment.
Have you ever felt let down by the hearing care system? What did you do about it?
We’d love to hear your experience — and any advice you’d give others in a similar situation. Let’s learn from each other and help make sure no one is left to struggle alone.
Please click here to share your story
Hear are some groups that might help you:
Hearing Loss Association of America
When you live with hearing loss, you might not expect difficulties with your balance. Yet, balance issues are surprisingly common for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This is because the inner ear isn’t just responsible for hearing; it’s also home to the vestibular system, which helps us stay upright and steady on our feet. When your balance is affected, even slightly, it can lead to dizziness, unsteadiness, or a general lack of confidence when walking.
One of our ambassadors recently shared a brilliant insight about the balance exercise class that they attend:
“I’ve been taking balance exercise classes for HOH/deaf via Zoom, once a week, for five years now. Everyone in the class has hearing loss, so our classes are always captioned. Slowly, slowly I feel my balance and confidence have improved. I feel far more stable.”
So, in this article we ask whether balance exercises really work and can they help improve stability, mobility, and confidence.
Our ability to balance depends on input from our eyes, muscles, joints, and inner ears. If hearing loss is related to damage in the inner ear and vestibular system, the brain may be less able to interpret motion and body position, leading to a greater risk of falls.
This is especially important as we age: falls are one of the leading causes of injury in older adults. Studies show that targeted balance exercises can reduce the risk of falls, improve posture, and strengthen muscles, which also helps maintain independence.
Balance exercises can range from very gentle movements to more challenging routines. Common exercises include:
Standing on one leg (near a wall or chair for support)
Heel-to-toe walking
Tai Chi or gentle yoga
Side leg raises
Marching in place
Sit-to-stand repetitions
Turning your head slowly side to side while walking
These exercises help train your body to respond better to shifts in movement and weight, and they can be modified for any age or ability.
Yes—and there’s growing awareness of this. More and more classes, like the one our contributor mentioned, are being tailored specifically for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These classes are often captioned, use visual cues, and allow extra time for instructions, which makes them more accessible and inclusive.
Even if your balance isn’t severely affected, regular practice can:
Improve your confidence when walking outdoors or on uneven surfaces.
Increase your muscle strength, which supports balance.
Help you feel more grounded and aware of your body’s movements.
Local community centres or health charities often run classes for older adults or people with sensory loss.
Online platforms like Zoom are now offering accessible classes specifically for the HOH/deaf community.
Search for terms like “deaf-friendly balance class,” “accessible fitness,” or “vestibular rehab for hearing loss.”
Check with hearing support organisations or balance/dizziness charities—they may offer referrals or run their own classes.
Speak to a physiotherapist—they can create a tailored programme based on your needs.
Like our Facebook friend said:
“I can’t scientifically prove balance exercise is helpful, but it sure doesn’t hurt! And after a while, it’s fun.”
That’s exactly the point. If it feels good, improves your confidence, and gets you moving, then it’s already working!
So if your world has felt a little off-balance lately, why not give it a go? Whether you choose a group class or practice from the comfort of your living room, a few simple moves might help you feel more sure-footed and more empowered.
Find out more about Hearing Loss and Balance on our website here [Hearing Loss and Balance]
If you are interested in exploring balance classes—especially those suitable for people with hearing loss—here are some good places to start:
YouTube Channels
Try searching “balance exercises for seniors” or “vestibular rehab exercises.” Some videos are captioned or include visual-only instructions. Look for creators like NHS Balance Exercises, Later Life Training, or The Otago Exercise Programme.
Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) [https://rnid.org.uk]
RNID doesn’t run classes directly but can help you find support groups or local organisations that do. They may also know of HOH-friendly fitness options.
Age UK [https://www.ageuk.org.uk]
Many local Age UK branches offer gentle exercise classes, including falls prevention and balance workshops. Call your local branch and ask about accessible classes.
Falls Prevention Services (via your GP or local NHS Trust)
If you’re experiencing balance issues, your GP can refer you to a falls prevention programme or a vestibular physiotherapist. Some services run group sessions specifically for people with sensory impairments.
Your Local Deaf Centre or Hearing Loss Charity
These centres often host community events and may offer or know of tailored movement sessions. Try searching “[Your County] Deaf Centre”
Recently, a friend shared with me a frustrating and upsetting experience. Her husband, who lives with memory loss, also has significant hearing loss. She took him to a local memory clinic at the hospital, hoping for some helpful support and assessment.
But things didn’t go as planned.
The person who conducted the assessment spoke with a very strong accent. This, combined with the setting and the clinical language, made it difficult for her husband to follow what was being said. When the assessor asked him straightforward questions — such as “Where did you go to school?” — he didn’t answer. Not because he didn’t remember, but because he simply couldn’t hear the question clearly.
In her frustration, his wife started answering for him. But by then, the moment had passed. They left the clinic early, disheartened and deflated.
It struck me how easily this kind of misunderstanding can happen — and how damaging it can be.
Many people who are referred for memory assessments are older. And many older people also experience hearing loss — whether diagnosed or undiagnosed. In fact, hearing loss is one of the most common long-term health conditions in people over 70.
But when a person with hearing loss struggles to answer questions, it’s easy for others to assume that the issue is memory-related. That can lead to inaccurate assessments, unnecessary worry, and people being labelled in ways that don’t reflect their actual abilities.
We thought long and hard about what might have helped in this situation — and came up with a few ideas. They’re not perfect, but they might help others facing a similar challenge:
Mentioning the hearing loss clearly at the start of the appointment.
Politely asking for repetition or written questions if speech isn’t clear.
Making sure hearing aids are on and working, or using assistive devices.
Gently requesting to see a different staff member if communication is too difficult.
Encouraging clinics to consider including basic hearing checks as part of the assessment process.
But we know every situation is different.
Have you had a similar experience — at a memory clinic, hospital, GP surgery or elsewhere? How did you cope? What do you wish had been done differently?
We’d love to hear your story and any tips you can share. The more we learn from each other, the more we can help others avoid the same frustrations — and make sure people with both memory and hearing difficulties get the respect and support they deserve.
Because hearing well is a vital part of being understood.
Further Reading : The Alzheimer’s Society (a British Charity) have produced an interesting read about the connection between hearing loss and dementia
Hearing Ambassadors also have more information on our website about how you can help your friends and family
My husband Andrew is severely deaf, and like many people with hearing loss, that’s only part of the story. He also has balance problems. It’s something we live with every day—but it becomes especially obvious at night, when walking suddenly feels like a challenge most people wouldn’t think twice about.
It all started very suddenly, and frighteningly.
Andrew caught a virus. Nothing too dramatic at first—just a bit under the weather. But then he went to bed and slept for 36 hours straight. When he woke up, everything had changed.
He couldn’t hear properly. In fact, his hearing was almost completely gone. Not long after, he began to experience dizzy spells. At the time, we didn’t fully connect the two symptoms—but we’ve since learned that they’re more closely related than we ever imagined.
Inside the inner ear is the cochlea, responsible for hearing, and right next to it is the vestibular system—the bit that helps us balance. When Andrew’s virus damaged his hearing, it affected his vestibular system too. That’s why he started feeling dizzy, unsteady, and unsure on his feet.
He didn’t have full-on vertigo, but he described it as “the world going round at an angle, whilst he stays still” He gets a terrible headache and feels nauseous. It wasn’t constant, but it came in waves—and it never truly went away. The dizziness eventually faded, but the balance issues remain.
Since then, Andrew has had to rely heavily on his eyesight to keep balanced. He watches the floor, the lines of buildings, shadows, railings—anything that helps his brain figure out which way is up. His eyes have become his second balance system.
But when the lights go down, that system struggles too. In the dark, there are fewer visual cues. The world becomes flat and uncertain. Walking down an unfamiliar path at night can feel like walking on marshmallows.
He slows down, sometimes stops completely, trying to get his bearings. It’s not fear—it’s instinct. His body is doing everything it can to stay upright and safe.
It’s easy to overlook just how tiring it is. The concentration needed to walk in the dark, when your balance is compromised and your ears no longer help, is immense. It’s not just physical—it’s mental and emotional. It can be frustrating and, at times, isolating.
Over time, we’ve adapted and we’ve both become more aware of how much extra effort these situations take.
Hearing loss is more than a loss of sound. It can also affect how we move, how we feel in space, and how safe we feel doing everyday things like walking.
Andrew’s experience isn’t unique. Many people with hearing loss—especially when it’s caused by damage to the inner ear—also experience balance difficulties. The connection is real, and it deserves more attention.
If someone you care about is struggling with both hearing and balance, know that it’s not in their imagination. These systems are intertwined. And when one fails, the other has to work harder.
So next time you see someone moving slowly, stopping to steady themselves, or hesitating in the dark, remember—they may be using every ounce of concentration just to stay balanced.
And sometimes, simply knowing that can make a world of difference.
ASHA (American Speech Language Hearing Association) have a great article about hearing and balance ==> ASAH Hearing and Balance
Hearing Ambassadors has lots of other interesting information about hearing loss. For example ==> How does it feel to have hearing loss
“Let me put on my glasses so I can hear you better.” It sounds like a joke—but for many people with hearing loss, it’s surprisingly true. They aren’t trying to hear with their eyes—they’re trying to read your whole face, not just the lips.
We often think of lipreading as watching someone’s mouth, but in reality, the entire face plays a role in how we understand speech. People who are hard of hearing rely on a rich blend of visual cues—from lip movements to eye expressions, eyebrow flicks, and subtle shifts in facial tension. It’s a kind of “face-reading” that goes far beyond the mouth.
One friend told me, “I can’t lipread if someone is wearing sunglasses.” And she’s not alone. The eyes give away so much more than we realise—whether someone is confused, curious, or just joking. Covering them up is like turning off the subtitles.
Understanding speech visually is a lot like reading body language in miniature:
A furrowed brow may mean “I’m not sure I understand.”
A raised eyebrow can suggest “Really? Are you sure?”
A crinkled nose might hint at “That sounds a bit odd to me.”
These aren’t conscious signals—they’re the natural punctuation of everyday conversation. For someone relying on visual cues, they can make all the difference between following the thread or getting lost.
Here’s what contributes to full-face understanding:
Eyes: Direction, attention, emotion, and reaction.
Eyebrows: Questioning, emphasis, surprise.
Forehead and cheeks: Emotional tone and subtle timing cues.
Jaw and neck: Extra support for noticing certain sounds and rhythms.
Take the sentence: “Oh, that’s just great.”
Now imagine it said with wide eyes and a genuine smile—versus narrowed eyes, tight lips, and an eye roll. The words are the same. Reading the whole face changes everything.
When someone says, “Let me see you properly,” what they mean is: I need the full picture. If you’re in shadow, wearing sunglasses, turning away while speaking, or covering your mouth with your hand, they miss out on vital context.
Even facial hair, masks, or poor lighting can obscure meaning. And while hearing aids and cochlear implants can help, they don’t replace the value of clear, expressive visual communication.
If you’re talking to someone hard of hearing, try these simple adjustments:
Face them directly – and avoid turning away mid-sentence.
Speak in good light – ideally with your face clearly visible.
Avoid sunglasses – especially in conversation.
Use your expressions – they carry as much meaning as your words.
Pause occasionally – giving the other person time to process what they see and hear.
You don’t need to over-act or exaggerate—just be natural, open, and aware.
We tend to think of listening as a purely auditory act. But real-life communication is richer than that. We all read the world with our eyes as well as our ears—some of us just rely on that more than others.
So next time someone says they need to put on their glasses to hear you better, smile. It’s not about hearing more—it’s about seeing you more clearly. And that’s what real connection is all about.
Click here to see our other blogs about lipreading and sign language.
For more communication tips RNID is a great place to start