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.

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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.

Update about my deafness, and it isn't good news.

I added my thoughts plus my recent audiogram to the top of my high frequency hearing loss piece from 2024, after my updated hearing test last weekend.
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#deafness #hearingloss #deaf #highfrequencyloss #hearingaids #InvisibleDisability #Disabled #Accessibility #AccessNeeds #LivedExperience #AssistiveTechnology #Audiology #HearingHealth #HearingTest #BilateralHearingLoss #HighFrequencyHearingLoss #ProgressiveHearingLoss
https://carasutra.com/2024/12/being-deaf-high-frequency-hearing-loss-me/

I redid the AirPods Pro hearing test. Hearing still good 😊

I had an audiologist check the results last time. She gave me the thumbs up. New test basically the same as a few years ago.

#AppleHealth #AirpodsPro #HearingTest

I tried Apple’s Hearing Test and the results shocked me

I tried Apple’s Hearing Test, and I couldn’t believe the results I got. Who would have thought that I was experiencing the type of hearing loss average for people my age? Definitely not me.

The first thing the test did was to prove to me that I could indeed hear. Wow! I would have never known this without taking Apple’s test. I guess the incessant yammering of friends should have clued me in, but I couldn’t know for sure until I took the test. Amazing!

Then the test demonstrated by A + B that I’m suffering from hearing loss. I would have never guessed it. My wife and kids would probably have guessed it, however, seeing as they keep saying that I put the TV volume too high. At any rate, now I have an excuse for mishearing song lyrics all the time.

I plan to use my earbuds to hide my hearing loss. To the rest of the world, I’ll just look like someone who likes to bob his head and tap his foot to the music. This is going to come in extremely handy during work meetings, or when I’m having a discussion with my loved ones.

The article that inspired this satire:

https://www.techradar.com/audio/i-tried-apples-hearing-test-and-the-results-shocked-me

#Apple #AppleHearingTest #AutisticWriters #deaf #HearingLoss #HearingTest #satire #TheDailyIsotope

https://www.thedailyisotope.com/2024/10/31/i-tried-apples-hearing-test-and-the-results-shocked-me/

I purchased the #Apple #AirPodPro 2.

My phone is running iOS 18.1 - but I can’t find the #hearingtest or #hearingaid feature.

My AirPods are running on the latest firmware which features the hearing aid test etc

I think it’s just not a feature available to #Australia

Sigh AUS$399 down the drain

Hooray I passed!

#Apple #AirPodsPro #HearingTest

(no not sharing my results screen)

Went to my old college to do a hearing test. There are closer clinics that do free tests, but I know here they wouldn't pressure me into buying anything. Also, it would be great to create more positive experiences at college.

Anywho my takeaways:

• Turned out I have mild hearing loss for the highest frequencies. They explained that this is most likely the reason why I have a hard time talking to people if there's too much background noise.
• All the other tests were normal.
• Apparently tinnitus gets improved with white noise and other sounds. I thought it was the opposite! I guess I can start again listening to sleep meditations at night.

It was a good overall experience. I got a lot of answers to my questions/concerns. I'm glad that's it's not just "me not paying attention hard enough."

I applied to their dental clinic too since they have reduced rates and I don't have dental insurance. Still mulling over it though since it's definitely a commute.

#HearingTest #HearingLoss

Privatisation of the NHS by stealth is not meeting patients’ needs, as this personal account of obtaining a hearing test shows | Helen Tomlinson

#NHSCrisis #HearingTest https://yorkshirebylines.co.uk/news/health/the-nhs-should-i-be-advised-to-pay-for-medical-treatment/