Category: Hearing Loss

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Hearing Ambassadors Hearing Loss Hearing Well-Being Stories

When The System Lets You Down

Hearing Support
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What to Do if You’re Not Getting the Hearing Support You Need

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.

Hearing Support - Hearing Test
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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.

So what can you do if you feel you’re not getting the right support for your hearing?

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:

1. Trust your instincts

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.

2. Ask for a second opinion

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.

Confidence
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3. Persist with your GP

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.

4. Check your hearing aids

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.

5. Reach out to others

You are not alone. Connecting with charities, support groups, or local hearing clinics can provide emotional support, practical tips, and sometimes even advocacy help.

SSE is a bridge between BSL and spoken English
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

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:

RNID

Hearing Loss Association of America

Categories
Dementia Hearing Ambassadors Hearing Loss Hearing Well-Being Memory Memory Loss

When Hearing Loss Hides Behind Memory Loss

Memory Loss
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A true story

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.

Memory Clinic
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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.

Hearing Loss and Memory Loss: A Common Overlap

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.

Memory Loss
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What Could Have Helped?

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.

Your Experience of hearing loss and memory loss

Your Story
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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

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Balance Dizzyness Hearing Ambassadors Hearing Loss Hearing Well-Being

How hearing loss and balance are deeply connected

Hearing Loss and headache / Balance
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When the Lights Go Down – Why My Husband Struggles to Walk in the Dark

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.

A Sudden Change That Changed Everything

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.

Hearing Loss and Balance / Dizzyness
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Hearing and Balance Live Side by Side

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.

How the Eyes Step In

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.

The Quiet Challenge of Walking

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 - walking at night time
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What We’ve Learned

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.

A Little Understanding Goes a Long Way

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

Categories
Accessible Communication ASL Baby Sign British Sign Language BSL Cued Speech Hearing Loss Hearing Well-Being Makaton Sign Language Sign Supported English SSE

Is Sign Supported English a Real Sign Language?

Is SSE a real sign language?
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If you’ve recently started to experience hearing loss, you might have come across something called Sign Supported English, or SSE for short. It’s often taught in lipreading and communication classes aimed at adults who’ve lost their hearing later in life. But is SSE a real sign language?

That’s a question that sparks strong opinions—and the answer depends on how you define a “real” sign language.

What Is Sign Supported English?

SSE is not its own language. It’s a communication method that uses signs borrowed from British Sign Language (BSL), but with spoken or written English grammar and word order.

Think of it as English… with signs added for support.

SSE and Lipreading
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People who use SSE will usually speak at the same time as they sign, using the structure of English rather than the grammar of BSL, which is a fully-fledged visual language with its own syntax and rules. SSE can be incredibly helpful for people who:

  • Grew up speaking English

  • Have acquired deafness later in life

  • Use hearing aids or cochlear implants

  • Can still hear some speech sounds

  • Rely heavily on lipreading

By combining signs with spoken English, SSE can reinforce understanding—especially in noisy environments or when the speaker’s mouth is hard to see.

What Do BSL Users Think?

Many Deaf BSL users would say that SSE is not a real sign language, and they’re right—linguistically speaking.

BSL is a complete, natural language with its own structure, vocabulary, and cultural significance. It’s not just “English on the hands.” Using BSL means thinking visually, using facial expressions as grammar, and following a different word order altogether.

Sign Language
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From that perspective, SSE isn’t a true language, because it doesn’t stand alone. It’s always tethered to English.

But that doesn’t mean it’s not useful or meaningful.

A Bridge for Those With Acquired Deafness

For many people who lose their hearing after childhood, learning BSL can feel like learning a completely foreign language—and that can be overwhelming.

SSE offers a gentle introduction. It helps people stay connected to spoken English while adding visual cues to aid comprehension. It can be especially powerful when used alongside lipreading, giving people multiple ways to piece together meaning in conversation.

SSE offers a bridge between BSL and spoken English
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

In this way, SSE can serve as a bridge—not just to better communication, but sometimes as a stepping stone toward learning full BSL later on.

Is There an American Equivalent?

Yes, there is! In the United States, the equivalent system is called Signed Exact English (SEE) or sometimes Manually Coded English (MCE).

American Equivalent
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Like SSE, SEE is not a true sign language. It uses signs from American Sign Language (ASL) but follows English grammar and word order. It was originally developed to support the teaching of English literacy in Deaf children, but it’s also used by some people with acquired hearing loss or those who want to support spoken English with signs.

ASL, like BSL, is a complete visual language in its own right. And just like in the UK, many ASL users do not consider SEE to be a “real” sign language, although they may acknowledge its usefulness in certain contexts.

So… Is SSE Real?

If by “real” we mean a complete and natural language, then no—SSE is not. But if we mean a powerful, practical tool that helps people communicate and connect, then absolutely yes.

At Hearing Ambassadors, we believe in supporting every kind of communication that helps people feel included, confident, and heard—whether that’s BSL, SSE, lipreading, or a mix of all three.

If you or someone you love is exploring new ways to communicate after hearing loss, don’t be put off by labels. The best method is the one that works for you.

Check out more of our articles on sign language in our Hear Hub

Categories
Accessible Communication Communication Hearing Loss Hearing Well-Being workplace

Why is good lighting good for hearing?

Good Lighting
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When we think about hearing, we often focus on our ears—but did you know that good lighting is good for hearing too.

Hearing is not just about sound; it’s also about visual cues, body language, and lip reading. Good lighting can make a significant difference in helping people with hearing difficulties engage more effectively in conversations and social interactions.

Why is good lighting good for hearing
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1. The Role of Good Lighting and Visual Cues in Hearing

Communication is a combination of listening and visual processing. Facial expressions, lip movements, and gestures all provide essential context to what is being said. In dim or poor lighting, these cues become harder to read, making conversations more challenging for people with hearing loss. Good lighting ensures that these visual signals are clear and accessible.

Vusual Clues
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2. Lip Reading and Facial Expressions

Many individuals with hearing loss rely on lip reading to supplement their understanding of speech. Without adequate lighting, reading lips and picking up on subtle facial expressions becomes nearly impossible. Shadows, backlighting, or flickering lights can obscure details, leading to misunderstandings and frustration.

Good lighting - face in dark
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3. Avoiding Eye Strain and Fatigue

Straining to see in poor lighting can be exhausting.  We all have to work harder to interpret visual cues in bad lighting, but for people with hearing poor lighting, increases cognitive load and fatigue, making communication even more tiring. A well-lit environment reduces this strain, making conversations smoother and less draining.

4. Enhancing Group Conversations

Background noise can be a significant barrier for those with hearing loss. In social settings, where multiple conversations happen simultaneously, a well-lit environment helps us identify who is talking, making it easier to follow group discussions, and enabling us to focus on the person speaking.

Good lighting in a restaurant
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

5. Choosing the Right Lighting for Better Communication

To create a hearing-friendly environment, consider the following lighting tips:

  • Avoid strong backlighting (such as sitting in front of a bright window) as it can create shadows on the face.
  • Use soft, even lighting to minimize glare and harsh contrasts.
  • Ensure faces are well-lit to make lip reading and facial expressions easy to see.
  • Consider adjustable lighting to adapt to different situations and needs.

6. My eyes are my ears

Lighting isn’t just about seeing better—it’s about hearing better, too. or as one of our followers put it so well, “my eyes are my ears” By ensuring our environments are well-lit, we can support clearer communication, reduce fatigue, and help people with hearing loss stay engaged in conversations. Small changes in lighting can make a big difference in making the world more accessible for everyone.

Are your spaces hearing-friendly?

Take a moment to check your lighting, and you might be surprised at the impact it has on communication!

If you would like to know more about hearing accessibility, take a look at our post Seven Simple Steps to Create Hearing Friendly Spaces

This post has been inspired by our Facebook follower, David.