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.

I saw nothing.

- Bill Clinton

#specsavers

City centre business plans to expand into neighbouring unit

https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2026/02/27/city-centre-business-plans-to-expand-into-neighbouring-unit/

Swansea audiologists back world champion Wales Deaf Rugby teams as they prepare to defend titles in Tokyo

The backing from Specsavers Swansea, alongside 10 other locally owned Specsavers audiology businesses across Wales, will fund new kits, training facilities and travel to upcoming fixtures as the teams gear up for international competition.

The sponsorship comes as Wales Deaf Rugby works towards a £150,000 fundraising target to enable its men’s and women’s squads to travel to Japan and compete at the World Championship in October. The teams were last crowned world champions in Córdoba, Argentina, in 2023.

Ahead of a recent winning match against Jamaica, several players visited Specsavers’ Port Talbot store, where they met Kyle James, Specsavers audiologist, to discuss how hearing plays a key role in both sport and everyday life.

Kyle James said:

“Wales Deaf Rugby shows what’s possible when talent is matched with the right support. We’re proud to be backing both the men’s and women’s teams as they prepare to defend their world titles.

“As audiologists rooted in the local community, we see first-hand the difference good hearing health can make – not just in sport, but in confidence, communication and everyday life. Supporting these athletes is about inclusion, opportunity and helping them compete on the world stage.”

Siân-Elin Melbourne, chairman for Wales Deaf Rugby, added:

“This partnership means a huge amount to us, especially in such a pivotal year for the club. I was proud to be part of the very first Wales Deaf women’s team back in 2019, and to now see both squads preparing to defend world titles on the global stage is incredibly powerful.

“Support from Specsavers doesn’t just help with travel and kits – it sends a message to our players that they are valued, believed in and backed by their communities. As we build towards Tokyo, that belief makes all the difference.”

Wales Deaf Rugby is a Welsh sports charity dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, promoting access, equality and excellence in sport. It is volunteer-run and receives no funding from the Welsh Rugby Union.

The club is currently fundraising to reach its £150,000 target to send both squads to Tokyo for the World Championship in October, where they will face international competition as defending champions.

People wishing to donate to the club’s World Deaf Rugby 7s World Championship fundraiser can do so at donate.giveasyoulive.com/campaign/help-send-wdru-to-the-world-cup-2026.

DVLA statement over driving rule change from last year you may not know about

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/motoring/dvla-statement-over-driving-rule-36707208

Swansea opticians says Saturday jobs are giving young people a vital start

A spokesperson for Specsavers Swansea said the locally owned store is continuing to employ young people in weekend roles, offering hands‑on experience at a time when official figures show almost one in eight people aged 16–24 are not in education, employment or training.

The store highlighted the experience of 22‑year‑old Khadija Ali, who has worked weekends as an optical assistant for the past 18 months while studying Optometry at Cardiff University. According to the company, the role gives young people practical experience in customer service, retail and the technology used in eye examinations.

Khadija Ali, weekend optical assistant at Specsavers Swansea, said working at the store had helped her develop skills that support her university studies.

“Working at Specsavers Swansea has accelerated my learning and helped me gain skills and understanding that support me throughout university,” she said.

“The team is extremely supportive of my career and education, for example by offering flexible time off so I can focus during exams.”

She said the store had also given her additional opportunities, including a CLiP placement, adding:

“The skills I’ve learnt are essential and transferable into university and will help me to develop my future career.”

Store says weekend roles build confidence and long‑term skills

Specsavers Swansea said weekend roles typically involve greeting customers, supporting appointments and learning how eye‑care technology works. The company said these roles often give young people their first experience of the workplace, helping them build confidence and transferable skills.

Mel Williams, store director at Specsavers Swansea, said the team is committed to encouraging more young people to explore optics as a career.

“A Saturday role offers a great introduction to the industry, allowing young people to gain practical, hands‑on experience in a welcoming and supportive setting,” she said.

“These roles are about far more than earning some extra income. They help young people develop teamwork, communication and customer service skills that will benefit them throughout their working lives.”

Ms Williams said many long‑term staff began in weekend roles before progressing into full‑time careers.

Specsavers said it offers a range of career paths across retail, customer service and clinical roles, with ongoing training and development available.

‘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

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.

Headphone warning as using them daily could be damaging your health

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/headphone-warning-brits-using-daily-36519202

Opticians share information about condition with Lichfield group

https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2026/01/08/opticians-share-information-about-condition-with-lichfield-group/