Earvangelism

As a new year begins, we all resolve to be better: better partners, friends, colleagues. In this episode of Earvangelism , Priscilla explores one of the most overlooked yet valuable ways to do that: becoming a better listener. Drawing on 3 simple habits, this short episode looks at how listening well can start through eye contact, fewer interruptions, and ...becoming a trampoline. Small shifts can...

As the year comes to a close, this short episode of Earvangelism is a moment of reflection — not on what you achieved, but on what quietly supported you all year long. Your ears helped you learn, filtering and forming new auditory pathways. They protected your attention by tuning out what didn’t matter. And they kept you connected, to the sounds and people that matter most to you. Here's to sa...

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 b...

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 re...

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 pleasant...

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 relationsh...

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 me...

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, s...

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 repai...

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 distrac...

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...

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 consis...

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 an...

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?...

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 mo...

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 h...

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 audiolo...

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 t...

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 symptom...

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...

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 pinpoin...

Ever feel like everyone’s mumbling? Join Priscilla Leigh as she unravels age-related hearing loss, revealing why it can sneak by unrecognised. Struggles like cranking the TV or missing words in noisy rooms feel familiar, masking the issue—especially since quiet conversations sound clear. Learn how the pitch of vowels and consonants affect how you interpret sounds. This episode uncovers how your ea...

Can your plants hear you? Listen in to Earvangelism for a wild tale of how plants "listen"! Priscilla reveals how plants, whilst they don't have ears, respond to sounds like buzz pollination and grow roots toward water’s hum, thanks to their mechanoreceptors. Studies show plants are picky listeners, thriving on certain frequencies. So, should you whisper sweet nothings or sing lullab...

Unlock the ear’s healing secrets with Earvangelism! Psychoaudiologist Priscilla Leigh explores Paul Nogier’s groundbreaking discovery that ear acupuncture points form an inverted fetus, linking ear stimulation to healing across the body. Learn how these points change in texture, temperature, color, and conductance, revealing the ear’s miraculous power. This episode gives an introduction to auricul...