Earvangelism

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 audiology

• The terms that truly matter: severity in decibels, affected frequencies, type of hearing loss, and which ear is involved

• How speaking the right “hearing language” makes diagnosis and treatment more accurate

If 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 happens

• How to tell the difference between this and other ear infections

• What makes your ears so vulnerable after water exposure

• Simple steps to treat and prevent it — without damaging your ears in the process

Whether 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 develops

• The symptoms to watch out for — even if you’re not a surfer

• Simple prevention tips to protect your ears in cold environments

• What to expect if surgery becomes necessary

Whether 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 comfort

• Safe (and not-so-safe!) pressure relief techniques, including the Otovent and a cautionary tale from one of my patients

• A powerful speech-based muscle exercise inspired by Vinh Giang that can strengthen your Eustachian tube function

Whether 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 speech

• How their unique curves help you pinpoint where sounds are coming from

• How the design protects your eardrums from damage

If 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!