In this Earvangelism episode, we dive into one of the most fascinating intersections in auditory science: how the sounds we hear — especially spoken words — trigger powerful hormonal responses in the brain and body.We break down how hearing is not just a mechanical process but a deeply emotional and neurochemical experience, influencing everything from bonding and calm to motivation, stress and behaviour. From dopamine to oxytocin, cortisol to endorphins, this episode gives a mini highlight of each of these and how the meaning you make of what you hear affects them.Finally, we wrap up with a powerful message:Every sound you produce is shaping someone’s neurochemistry. So what experience do you want your words to create?
In this personal episode of Earvangelism, I sit down with my mum to talk through her sudden sensorineural hearing loss in 2018 — an event that reshaped her understanding of her ears, and her balance.She shares the confusion of those early hours, the surprisingly critical role of her vestibular system, and the emotional impact of losing hearing without warning. We also explore why she couldn’t receive the standard corticosteroid injection due to dangerously high pressure behind her eye — a risk many patients and clinicians aren’t aware of.This episode blends lived experience with clinical insight, offering a powerful look at what sudden hearing loss feels like from the inside, and what we can all learn from her journey.Tune in!
Why do whispers, soft tapping, and rustling pages trigger warm, tingling waves in some people but leave others completely unaffected? In this episode of Earvangelism, we explore the deeply personal and surprisingly emotional world of ASMR.We break down what ASMR is, how the auditory system processes these intimate sounds, and why the brain sometimes interprets them as calming, safe, and pleasantly immersive. Along the way, we look at attention, memory, binaural recording, and how ASMR sits at the intersection of sound, emotion, and human connection.This episode is an invitation to understand how sound shapes not just what we hear, but what we feel.
Why does the world sometimes feel like it has no middle volume? This episode of Earvangelism unravels the science of auditory recruitment, where damaged hair cells in the ear distort how we experience sound.We’ll talk about how this phenomenon blurs the line between silence and noise, how it affects communication and comfort, and why understanding it reveals so much about the delicate relationship between the ear, the brain, and perception itself.
They both make things louder, so what’s the big deal? Quite a lot, actually. In this episode, we look at the growing world of over-the-counter hearing amplifiers — how they compare to prescription hearing aids, when they might help, and when they might do more harm than good.From custom fitting to feedback control and brain adaptation, we’ll dive into the science of why “louder” doesn’t always mean “clearer.” If you’ve ever wondered whether those online amplifiers are worth it, this one’s for you.
Have you ever cringed at the sound of your own voice on a recording? You’re not alone — and there’s real science behind that discomfort. In this episode of Earvangelism, we explore why your voice sounds so different when played back, and what it reveals about how your hearing actually works.From the physics of bone conduction to the quirks of recording technology, we’ll unpack how microphones, skull vibrations, and brain expectations all shape the voice you think you have. And we’ll ask a deeper question: why does hearing ourselves from the outside feel so strangely personal?
What if you could hear your eyes move? Or your own heartbeat echoing in your skull?In this episode of Earvangelism, we explore Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS) — a rare and fascinating condition where a tiny hole in the inner ear blurs the line between sound, balance, and self-perception.We’ll unpack the anatomy, the surreal symptoms, the challenges of diagnosis, and how surgical repair can help patients reclaim their sense of silence.Join us as we dive into the “third window” of the inner ear — and discover what happens when hearing turns inward.
In a world full of sound, our brains are expert editors — deciding what’s worth hearing and what’s not. This episode of Earvangelism dives into the phenomenon of selective hearing: the fascinating intersection between perception and attention.We’ll explore the neuroscience behind why some sounds capture our attention while others fade into the background. From survival instincts to modern distractions, and from romantic frustration to neural efficiency, selective hearing reveals how finely tuned — and biased — our auditory systems really are. By the end, you might rethink what it truly means to “listen.”
What if everyday sounds like chewing, tapping, or breathing made your skin crawl or sent your stress levels through the roof? In this episode of Earvangelism, we dive into misophonia — a condition where ordinary sounds trigger intense emotional and physical reactions. We’ll explore what science knows so far, why it happens, and how people cope with it. Whether you’re an audiologist, a healthcare professional, or someone who struggles with sound triggers, this episode will help you understand misophonia’s impact on the brain, behaviour, and daily life.
In this episode of the Earvangelism Podcast, we unpack the key factors that determine how effective hearing aids truly are. From the degree and type of hearing loss, to the role of technology, fitting formulae, and audiologist expertise, through to the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt — we explore why success with hearing aids depends on much more than the device itself.You’ll hear why consistency is critical, how patient feedback shapes customization, and why encouraging friends or loved ones to give their hearing aids a real try can make all the difference. Finally, we step back to remind ourselves of an important truth: no matter how advanced the technology becomes, nothing compares to the natural hearing we’re born with — which makes protecting our ears more important than ever.
In this episode of the Earvangelism Podcast, we dive deep into the world of hearing aids . We’ll explore what hearing aids actually are, the key components that make them work, and how modern programs adapt to different listening environments. You’ll also learn about the different styles available — from discreet in-the-canal devices to behind-the-ear models — and the differences between tubes and wires.Whether you’re curious about how these tiny technologies restore clarity, considering hearing aids for yourself or a loved one, or simply want to understand how they enhance everyday life, this episode will give you clear insight into one of the most important tools for better hearing.
They promise peace and quiet at the push of a button — but what’s really going on inside your noise-cancelling headphones? In this episode of Earvangelism, we break down how these devices actually work, why they feel so effective in loud environments, and the surprising ways they can both help and harm your ears. Are they the ultimate tool for focus and calm, or could constant use come at a cost? Tune in to find out what the science says — and how to use them wisely.
Want to keep your audience hooked from the first word to the last? In this episode of Earvangelism, I share three simple but powerful auditory hacks that make any speech more engaging and memorable. You’ll learn why repeating key phrases works like magic on the brain, how to take advantage of the primacy and recency effect by framing your openings and closings just right, and why sprinkling in more “you” pulls listeners in on a personal level. These auditory brain-friendly strategies ensure your audience not only listens to your talk, but remembers, repeats and enjoys every word.
What do your ears have to do with your ovaries? More than you might think. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating connection between the auditory system and oestrogen, exploring how hormones influence hearing, balance, and overall ear health — and what this means for women across the lifespan. From puberty to menopause, the ear is listening to more than just sound; it’s responding to your hormones too. Join me as we uncover this overlooked link between two seemingly distant systems — and why understanding it could change the way we think about women’s health.
When patients tell me, “I’ve lost 50% of my hearing,” I know what they mean — but in audiology, that statement doesn’t really mean much.In this episode of Earvangelism, I unpack why talking about hearing loss in percentages creates confusion, and what language actually helps audiologists understand your hearing health. We’ll explore:Why “percent hearing loss” isn’t a standard measure in audiologyThe terms that truly matter: severity in decibels, affected frequencies, type of hearing loss, and which ear is involvedHow speaking the right “hearing language” makes diagnosis and treatment more accurateIf you’ve ever struggled to explain your hearing to a professional, this episode will give you the vocabulary to be heard...and understood.
A simple sound pattern can make your audience more likely to follow your thoughts! In this episode, Priscilla sheds light on how a recent study found that alliteration reduces the brain’s mismatch negativity — its “error signal” when hearing the unexpected — and how you can use this to engage listeners when you speak.
Ever had an earache after swimming or showering and wondered what’s going on? It might be more than just water stuck in your ear.In this episode of Earvangelism, we unpack Swimmer’s Ear — a surprisingly common (and uncomfortable) condition where moisture and irritation lead to infection in your ear canal.You’ll learn:What Swimmer’s Ear is and why it happensHow to tell the difference between this and other ear infectionsWhat makes your ears so vulnerable after water exposureSimple steps to treat and prevent it — without damaging your ears in the processWhether you’re a regular swimmer, a hot shower fan, or just earbud-obsessed, this episode is your quick guide to keeping your ear canal happy and healthy.
If you love the ocean but hate the feeling of blocked ears, this episode is for you.This week we dive into Surfer’s Ear — a condition where your ear grows bone in response to cold water and wind exposure. Learn how this sneaky process gradually narrows your ear canal, leading to trapped water, infections, and even hearing loss.You’ll discover:What Surfer’s Ear is and how it developsThe symptoms to watch out for — even if you’re not a surferSimple prevention tips to protect your ears in cold environmentsWhat to expect if surgery becomes necessaryWhether you're a surfer, swimmer, or cold-plunge devotee, understanding this condition could save your ears — and your hearing.
Ever felt like your ears won’t "pop" on a flight no matter how hard you yawn or swallow? That’s your Eustachian tubes refusing to do their job.In this episode of Earvangelism, we unpack the mystery of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction — why it happens, how it affects pressure in your middle ear, and what you can do about it. Using the vivid metaphor of a bag of chips at cruising altitude, we explain how your middle ear handles pressure changes, and what happens when that system breaks down.You’ll hear:How the Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and why it's crucial for hearing comfortSafe (and not-so-safe!) pressure relief techniques, including the Otovent and a cautionary tale from one of my patientsA powerful speech-based muscle exercise inspired by Vinh Giang that can strengthen your Eustachian tube functionWhether you're a frequent flyer or just wondering why your ears feel "stuck," this episode tunes into the pressure behind your hearing — and what to do when your ears won’t play along.
In this episode, we dive into the surprising intelligence behind the shape of your ears. We'll explore how your outer ear — that funny looking thing on the side of your face — is a precisely designed structure that is fine tuned to accentuate sound, and particularly other humans. You’ll learn:How your ears naturally amplify the frequencies of human speechHow their unique curves help you pinpoint where sounds are coming fromHow the design protects your eardrums from damageIf you’ve ever wondered why we’re built the way we are, or how the shape of your ears affects the way you think, behave, and perform — this episode is for you!