#hearingloss — Public Fediverse posts

Can you hear the beep? 👂

An audiogram measures something extremely useful: the quietest pure tone we can detect at different frequencies.

But:
Detection ≠ Attention ≠ Understanding

Real hearing means extracting a voice from noise, recognising incomplete information, localising sound, adapting to change — and doing all of that comfortably and without unreasonable cognitive effort.

My new HybridMind42 article asks a simple question:
Are we measuring hearing loss, or measuring enough of human hearing to understand what a person actually needs?

The audiogram isn't the problem.
Don't break the tool. Define its proper boundaries.

https://hybridmind42.substack.com/p/can-you-hear-the-beep?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=75c2ac

#HybridMind42 #Audiology #Hearing #HearingLoss #HearingAids #Tinnitus #Neuroscience #HumanPerception #ScienceCommunication

PSA:

I recently turned 50 and, to celebrate, my wife told me I wasn't heaing things normally anymore.

I went to the ear people who agreed with her.

I'm getting hearing aids before my mother and before my father in law, both of whom hear much worse than I do, because current science suggests that untreated hearing loss contributes to cognitive decline and dementia. No thank you!

I'll take the bionic parts.

#hearingloss #hearingaids #genx

Dozing off with your head on one side while wearing your hearing aids.
Kids - just don't do it!

Ouch!

#HearingAids #HearingLoss

HEARING FEAR: Ammanford star Owain Wyn Evans warns “I was missing conversations”

The Ammanford-born broadcaster and drummer says he first noticed something was wrong when he started missing parts of conversations — after years performing in loud environments.

“It was a shock,” he admitted. “I realised I was turning the volume up more and missing things people were saying.”

Now the 42-year-old is fronting a campaign with Specsavers — urging people not to ignore the warning signs.

The new research paints a worrying picture.

A staggering 45% of adults in Wales say their hearing has changed in recent years — yet more than a quarter haven’t taken any action and don’t plan to.

Even more concerning, over a third say they’ve never taken steps to protect their hearing at all.

For Owain, the issue goes beyond health — it’s about identity.

“Sound is such a huge part of who we are in Wales,” he said. “From the countryside to the sea — those sounds connect us to home.”

And the data backs him up.

• 72% say a Welsh accent makes Wales feel like home
• 60% say it’s the sound of a choir
• 73% say singing at rugby and football matches brings people together

But those sounds could be at risk.

More than a third of people report ringing ears or muffled hearing after gigs — a key warning sign of damage.

Experts say hearing loss often happens gradually, meaning people delay getting help — sometimes for years.

Owain is now urging people to act early before it’s too late.

“Protecting our hearing means protecting those connections,” he said.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Owain Wyn Evans recovering after emergency surgery
The Ammanford presenter updates fans after a sudden health scare.

Star‑studded celebration of Welsh excellence
Famous faces gather at Swansea’s Copperworks Distillery for a midsummer showcase.

Owain Wyn Evans: “Feel the fear and take the plunge”
The TV favourite shares a powerful message during a live Swansea appearance.

https://www.europesays.com/ie/339973/ How to find the best hearing aid for you – The Irish News #Éire #Health #HealthLifestyle #hearing #HearingAids #HearingLoss #IE #Ireland #Specsavers #Technology #TheHearingClinicUK #UK

‘Can’t leave the house without them’: Welsh headphone lovers warned over rising hearing risks

New research from Specsavers reveals just how attached Welsh listeners have become to their earbuds, with 25% saying they won’t step outside without them and 15% willing to turn back and go home if they realise they’ve forgotten them.

Warnings ignored as volumes creep higher

Despite the obsession, almost two in five people in Wales say they rarely or never think about the impact loud listening could be having on their ears. The study found 15% regularly ignore phone warnings telling them the volume is too high, while one in five actually turn the sound up after receiving a warning.

Daily headphone users were among the least likely to consider long‑term hearing damage, even though many reported side effects including ringing in the ears, headaches, muffled hearing and dizziness.

‘Permanent damage’ risk, says audiologist

Gordon Harrison, Chief Audiologist at Specsavers, said the trend is worrying.

Gordon Harrison said:

“Prolonged exposure to loud sounds through headphones can cause permanent damage to the delicate structures inside the ear. This can lead to issues such as hearing loss and tinnitus, which are often irreversible and can worsen over time.”

He said the New Year fitness rush often makes things worse, with people cranking up the volume in the gym or on runs.

Gordon Harrison said:

“It’s important to be mindful of how loud and how long you’re listening for, as the damage isn’t always immediately noticeable.”

Top 10 activities Welsh people can’t bear to do without headphones

1. Train journeys — 24%
2. Long‑haul flights — 14%
3. Long walks — 19%
4. At the gym — 21%
5. Jogging — 19%
6. Running — 15%
7. Waiting at the airport — 15%
8. Treadmill workouts — 21%
9. Short‑haul flights — 15%
10. Coach rides — 8%

Welsh listeners vow to turn it down

The research suggests some people are trying to change their habits. A quarter of Welsh respondents said they plan to lower the volume this year, while 18% want to cut back on headphone use altogether. Another 18% say they’re finally planning to book the hearing test they’ve been putting off.

Train journeys, flights and the gym top the list

The moments people dread being without headphones include train journeys, long walks, flights and gym sessions. Many said they rely on headphones to relax, block out background noise or listen privately without disturbing others.

But with 29% admitting they usually listen at a high or very high volume, experts warn that even short bursts of loud sound can add up over time.

Gordon Harrison said noise‑cancelling headphones can help reduce the temptation to turn the volume up, especially in busy environments.

Related hearing health stories

Innovative Swansea research to target hearing loss risks from life‑saving antibiotics
Scientists in Swansea are working to reduce the risk of hearing damage caused by essential treatments.

Muted feelings: Hearing tests bottom of the list for people in Wales
New research reveals why so many people delay or avoid getting their hearing checked.

Audiologist awarded for research into demand for hearing services
A Swansea audiologist is recognised for groundbreaking work on access to hearing care.

Caitlin: Using her own experience as a deaf nurse to help others
A powerful personal story of lived experience shaping better care for patients.

There's a new article by me about #hearingloss (in German):

https://digitalcourage.social/@doofeohren/114788196346767346

#Hörgerät #Hörgeräte #Schwerhörigkeit #Hörverlust #Behinderung #Inklusion #Barrierefrei #Barrierearm #Accessibility #A11y #Zugänglichkeit #Teilhabe

Source: @mercurynews.com

From the article: "New technology — and its rapid adoption for remote work during COVID-19 — continues to break down many barriers for people with disabilities. There are more ways than ever for workplaces to ensure accessibility, often at little to no cost. For example, voice recognition expands communication options for those who face challenges with traditional keyboards. And auto-captioning ensures that people who are deaf or experiencing hearing loss can fully engage with multimedia content."

#Disabled #Disabilities #Blind #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology #VoiceRecognition #VisuallyImpaired #TextToSpeach #Deaf #HearingLoss #AutoCaptioning #Employees #Employers

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/14/how-technology-can-lower-barriers-to-employment-for-californians-with-disabilities/

Source: @mercurynews.com

From the article: "New technology — and its rapid adoption for remote work during COVID-19 — continues to break down many barriers for people with disabilities. There are more ways than ever for workplaces to ensure accessibility, often at little to no cost. For example, voice recognition expands communication options for those who face challenges with traditional keyboards. And auto-captioning ensures that people who are deaf or experiencing hearing loss can fully engage with multimedia content."

#Disabled #Disabilities #Blind #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology #VoiceRecognition #VisuallyImpaired #TextToSpeach #Deaf #HearingLoss #AutoCaptioning #Employees #Employers

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/14/how-technology-can-lower-barriers-to-employment-for-californians-with-disabilities/

Source: @mercurynews.com

From the article: "New technology — and its rapid adoption for remote work during COVID-19 — continues to break down many barriers for people with disabilities. There are more ways than ever for workplaces to ensure accessibility, often at little to no cost. For example, voice recognition expands communication options for those who face challenges with traditional keyboards. And auto-captioning ensures that people who are deaf or experiencing hearing loss can fully engage with multimedia content."

#Disabled #Disabilities #Blind #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology #VoiceRecognition #VisuallyImpaired #TextToSpeach #Deaf #HearingLoss #AutoCaptioning #Employees #Employers

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/14/how-technology-can-lower-barriers-to-employment-for-californians-with-disabilities/

Source: @mercurynews.com

From the article: "New technology — and its rapid adoption for remote work during COVID-19 — continues to break down many barriers for people with disabilities. There are more ways than ever for workplaces to ensure accessibility, often at little to no cost. For example, voice recognition expands communication options for those who face challenges with traditional keyboards. And auto-captioning ensures that people who are deaf or experiencing hearing loss can fully engage with multimedia content."

#Disabled #Disabilities #Blind #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology #VoiceRecognition #VisuallyImpaired #TextToSpeach #Deaf #HearingLoss #AutoCaptioning #Employees #Employers

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/14/how-technology-can-lower-barriers-to-employment-for-californians-with-disabilities/

Source: @mercurynews.com

From the article: "New technology — and its rapid adoption for remote work during COVID-19 — continues to break down many barriers for people with disabilities. There are more ways than ever for workplaces to ensure accessibility, often at little to no cost. For example, voice recognition expands communication options for those who face challenges with traditional keyboards. And auto-captioning ensures that people who are deaf or experiencing hearing loss can fully engage with multimedia content."

#Disabled #Disabilities #Blind #Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology #VoiceRecognition #VisuallyImpaired #TextToSpeach #Deaf #HearingLoss #AutoCaptioning #Employees #Employers

https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/14/how-technology-can-lower-barriers-to-employment-for-californians-with-disabilities/

I have current research in #CochlearImplant, #TBI, #NoiseInduced #HearingLoss in an #ovine model, #Encephalocele repair, and otic organoids, and I have recent publications in #Stapedectomy/ #Stapedotomy, #VestibularSchwannoma/ #AcousticNeuroma, #LabyrinthitisOssifcans, #Tympanoplasty, #COVID, and #ResidentEducation. I’ve been known to do my own #MedicalIllustration and stats for publications, too. 2/3