Earvangelism

What if hearing could be restored… by printing new ear bones?In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking work of Dr. Mashudu Tshifularo, who pioneered 3D-printed titanium middle ear bones to restore hearing, reshaping what’s possible in audiology and ENT surgery.

AI-generated podcasts are getting harder to detect, but your brain still picks up subtle clues.In this episode, we explore how the brain’s Temporal Voice Area recognises human voices, how AI recreates them using sound decomposition, and why some episodes sound like real humans… yet still feel off.

He said he couldn’t hear...the hearing test said otherwise.In this episode, a real patient case reveals what happens when hearing results don’t match human physiology, and why audiology sometimes requires a bit of detective work. 🕵️‍♀️

Why does birdsong feel like everything is right with the world and low, bass tones signal danger?This episode explores the emotional power of pitch, how it shapes our perception, and what it means for those who can no longer hear the high-frequency sounds that bring lightness and joy.

Did you know your brain doesn’t just hear sound but creates it? In this episode, we dive into binaural beats: a fascinating auditory phenomenon that sits at the intersection of perception, brainwaves, and behaviour. Real effect or overstated claim?

Hearing aids have always amplified sound but what if they could decide what you hear?This episode explores why background noise is such a challenge, and how AI is beginning to change the game by helping hearing aids “choose” what matters.

Pregnancy changes many parts of the body, but few people realize it can affect the ears too.From blocked ears and tinnitus to dizziness and temporary hearing changes, hormonal shifts during pregnancy can influence the delicate fluid systems that control hearing and balance.In this episode of Earvangelism, Priscilla explores why these symptoms occur, how common they are, and why most of them resolve after delivery, revealing yet another way the ear is deeply connected to the rest of the body.

Ear seeds are tiny seeds placed on specific points of the ear and used as a form of gentle acupressure. People use them for everything from stress and sleep to pain and migraines.But how could something placed on the ear influence the rest of the body? In this episode of Earvangelism, Priscilla explores the origins of ear seeds in auricular acupuncture, the idea of the ear as a “microsystem” of the body, and the fascinating nerve connections that link the ear to the brain and autonomic nervous system.Whether ear seeds work for everyone is still an open question, but they highlight this: that the ear is far more connected to the rest of the body than most people realise.

Many people living with chronic migraines try everything from medication to lifestyle changes in search of relief. One surprising option that has gained attention is the daith piercing, a cartilage piercing deep inside the ear that some claim dramatically reduces migraine frequency.In this episode of Earvangelism, I explore where this idea comes from, including its roots in auricular acupuncture and the ear’s connection to the vagus nerve, a key regulator of pain and autonomic function. I share real comments from people who swear by the piercing, alongside others who report no change.Is it a pressure point effect, vagus nerve stimulation, placebo, or something else entirely? While large clinical trials are still lacking, the biological plausibility and growing number of reports make this an intriguing topic worth exploring.If you’ve had a daith piercing for migraines, whether it helped or not, this episode invites you into the conversation.

We all know that loud noise can damage hearing. But what if noise isn’t the only workplace risk?In this episode of Earvangelism, I speak with Associate Professor Adrian Fuente about how organic solvents, i.e. common workplace chemicals, can affect not only the inner ear but also the brain’s auditory pathways. This results in people with “normal” hearing tests who still struggle to understand speech in noise.An eye-opening look at the hidden connection between the air we breathe and the way we hear.

During Tinnitus Awareness Week, I sat down with a patient who has lived with bilateral tinnitus for 17 years. In this excerpt from our conversation, she shares what tinnitus really sounds like — from high-pitched ringing to Morse-code rhythms — what triggers it, and what she wishes healthcare professionals had told her sooner.This episode sheds light on the lived experience of tinnitus and highlights the importance of early support, counselling, sound therapy, and informed choices.

Can a bass really trigger diarrhoea?In this episode of Earvangelism, I explore a patient’s startling experience of needing to rush to the loo every time a specific low-frequency bass played, and nowhere else. We unpack the “brown note,” the science of low-frequency sound, and the powerful connection between the ear, the vagus nerve, and the gut.Sound doesn’t just enter your ears but with your body too.

Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the hardest conditions to treat, with most therapies offering only modest benefit. In this episode, I explore a fascinating new study published in Brain Communications that investigates whether ultrasound (sound beyond human hearing) can safely change brain activity in people with Alzheimer’s disease.I break down what focused ultrasound is, why it’s different from drug-based treatments, what the researchers found in humans, and why subtle changes in behaviour and brain dynamics may matter more than headline cognitive scores. This episode highlights sound as not just something we perceive but as a tool to actively shape the brain.

Can blocked ears really cause fainting?This episode explores a striking clinical case involving recurrent fainting, dizziness, and long-standing earwax impaction (blocked ears). While fainting is usually linked to the heart or brain, this episode sheds light on two lesser-known ear-related mechanisms that could play a role: vestibular disruption and auricular (vagal) syncope.We unpack how pressure changes in the ear can affect balance, how a branch of the vagus nerve runs through the ear canal, and why chronic stimulation of this pathway may trigger light-headedness or loss of consciousness in some individuals.

In this episode, Priscilla explores the auditory setup behind Meta AI glasses, unpacking how you can hear an AI voice clearly without anything being in your ears. Spoiler: it’s not bone conduction, but near-field, directional air-conducted sound aimed straight at the ear canal.Beyond the tech, this episode asks a bigger question:What happens when external voices begin to sound as close as our internal dialogue?We explore how Meta AI glasses blur the line between inner voice and external input, and what that means for attention, silence, and auditory load.A short, accessible look at hearing, technology, and what it means to live in an increasingly 'audibly integrated' world.

In this episode of Earvangelism, Priscilla explores echoic memory — the brief but brilliant auditory system that holds sound just long enough for meaning to emerge. Through everyday moments like multitasking conversations, hearing your name called, or processing fast speech, this episode reveals why listening isn’t as instantaneous as we think.Echoic memory sits quietly between sound and understanding, acting as a rolling auditory buffer that allows the brain to stitch syllables into words, separate speech from noise, and make sense of sound after it’s already stopped.

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 make a big difference to how people feel heard, valued, and understood.A gentle invitation to start 2026 by listening differently and offering more value to the people around you.

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 savouring the sounds that shaped us in the past year, and our ears that made that possible!

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!

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 ears can trip you up sometimes!

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 lullabies to your greenery? It can’t hurt! Discover why your voice might be your plant’s best friend.

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 auricular acupuncture’s wonders. For more, hear our Psychoaudiology podcast chat with Siwan Quinn-Bratton, director of The College of Auricular Acupuncture. Let's dive in!

Unclog the mystery of earwax removal with Earvangelism! Psychoaudiologist Priscilla Leigh breaks down the four methods—microsuction, irrigation, eardrops, and manual removal—to keep your ears happy and healthy. Should you use Q-tips or ditch them? This episode reveals the dos and don’ts of ear hygiene, ensuring your ears stay in tip-top shape. Tune in for practical tips!

Get ready for a waxy tale on Earvangelism! Psychoaudiologist Priscilla Leigh dives into earwax: what it is, what it’s made of, and why your ears produce it. Discover why earwax varies in color—honey to dark brown—and why some folks make more than others. From protecting your ears to revealing genetic quirks, earwax is a hidden hero! This episode unpacks the sticky science. Let's wax lyrical about earwax.

Listen to the gripping story of a patient with hearing loss and a mysterious chronic cough. An ear impression sparked a coughing fit, revealing the ear’s auricular vagus nerve as the potential culprit behind the cough no antibiotics could cure. This short episode explores the ear-vagus nerve link, introduces auriculotherapy (more to come!), and calls for blending conventional and alternative medicine. Your ears are more powerful than you think!

Join me on the Earvangelism for a tale of ear miracles about how plastic the auditory brain is! In the 1970s, Michael Merzenich helped pioneer cochlear implants, restoring hearing for the deaf, and uncovered a game-changer: the auditory brain’s incredible plasticity. This discovery led him to found Posit Science, creating BrainHQ—a science-backed program to train your brain. In this episode, psychoaudiologist Priscilla Leigh reveals how his work changed how the world views hearing and auditory processing.

How does hearing shape concentration? Listen to the story of a boy whose unique hearing curve—super-sensitive to certain pitches—added complexity to his ADHD. Learn what auditory scene analysis is, how brilliant your ears are at it and how auditory retraining and amplification devices can boost focus and transform learning!

It’s Fun Ear Fact Friday on Earvangelism! Join psychoaudiologist Priscilla Leigh for a quick, quirky tale of ear miracles. Did you realize hearing is the first sense fully formed in the womb? Discover how your ears start working before you’re even born, tuning into the world from inside. This mini episode unpacks just how they do it. Tune in!

Kick off Earvangelism with a dive into psychoaudiology! Join psychoaudiologist Priscilla Leigh to uncover how your ears shape your mind, behaviour, and even performance. What is psychoaudiology? It’s the science of how the auditory system connects to your brain, but the rest of your body too. Catch a glimpse of why your ears are the superheroes of your daily life. Tune in!

In this Earvangelism episode, we break down a misconception so many speakers, students and professionals struggle with: your accent isn’t the problem.The real issue is how much work the listener’s brain has to do to keep up with what you’re saying.We explore how accents influence listening effort, how the brain builds meaning from sound, and why audiences sometimes tune out — not because of how you speak, but because of the mental detours your accent triggers.You’ll learn four practical strategies to get heard clearly with any accent:• Address the elephant in the room• Slow down for the listener’s auditory processing• Ask the right people for feedback• Use visuals that support, not distractA short episode with a big message:Don't fix your accent — minimise the cognitive noise around it and let your message come through clearly.If you're a PhD student interested in becoming a clear and confident research communicator, you can check out the E. A. R. Communication Hub HERE.