In this lively interview John kicked things off with a question most of us have either asked or been asked: why is the television always so loud? From there, Toby and John range across everything from how hearing loss actually works to why the solution is rarely as simple as turning up the volume.

One of the things Toby explains really clearly is why so many people feel that everyone around them has started mumbling. It comes down to the difference between volume and clarity. The sounds that fade first with age-related hearing loss are the high-frequency consonants, the S, T, F and SH sounds that give words their shape. If you want to understand more about what’s actually happening when hearing changes with age, our article on age-related hearing loss is a good place to start.

Toby and John also talk about the way untreated hearing loss can lead people to quietly withdraw from situations they find difficult. It might seem like a small thing, but the knock-on effects can be significant. If you’d like to read more about the wider health connections Toby touches on in the interview, including the link with cognitive health, this article goes into it in more depth.

There’s also a really reassuring section on modern hearing aids, and how far the technology has come from the devices people might remember from years ago. If the thought of hearing aids still feels like a big step, our article on breaking the stigma might change your mind.

Most of all, this is a conversation that makes the whole subject feel very approachable, and Toby’s experience really comes through.

If anything in the interview resonates with you or someone you care about, the most useful thing you can do is book a hearing assessment. It’s straightforward, there’s no pressure, and it gives you a clear picture of where your hearing is today. Get in touch with the team at Meadows & Wood to arrange yours. Call us on 01934 248426, we are here to help.

Why does hearing loss increase falls risk?

There are three well-established reasons for this connection.

• Environmental awareness. Sound gives us a constant stream of information about our surroundings. The crunch of gravel underfoot, the echo of a hard floor, the background noise that tells us a space is crowded. When hearing is reduced, we lose much of that spatial information, often without realising it.
• Spatial awareness. Hearing plays a significant role in our sense of where our body is in relation to the world around us. Reduced hearing can subtly affect our ability to judge distances and navigate unfamiliar spaces safely.
• Cognitive load. When the brain is working harder to process and interpret sound, it has fewer resources available for other tasks, including maintaining gait and balance. When hearing is treated effectively, that cognitive burden is reduced and the brain is free to manage both tasks well.

What this means in practice

At Meadows & Wood, our assessments go beyond a straightforward hearing test. It’s something patients often tell us they hadn’t expected, but are glad we asked.

If a hearing assessment identifies a loss that can be addressed with hearing aids, the benefits extend well beyond clearer conversations. Improved spatial awareness, reduced cognitive load and a significantly lower falls risk are all part of the picture.

Taking the first step

If you’ve experienced unexplained dizziness, had a fall, or have been putting off addressing changes in your hearing, we’d encourage you to book a consultation with our team. Our clinics in Weston-super-Mare, Portishead, Shirehampton and Clevedon are available by appointment, and our Worle clinic welcomes walk-in visitors too.

Call us on 01934 248426, we are here to help.