Amanda Philpott, a seasoned leader in the healthcare industry, spent 28 years dedicated to her career within the NHS. However, as she entered her fifties, Amanda found herself growing increasingly frustrated and irritated at work. Initially attributing her distress to the stresses of her role, she soon realized that there was a deeper issue at play – her hearing loss.
A pivotal moment came for Amanda when she attended a conference organized by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People. It was during this event that she finally connected the dots and comprehended the true cause of her frustrations. Reflecting on this eye-opening experience, Amanda expresses a deep sense of regret, wishing she could turn back time and address her hearing loss sooner. She states, “If I’d sorted out my hearing, I think I could have handled things much better because I wouldn’t have had that additional unrecognised source of stress.”
Amanda highlights the unfortunate stigma surrounding hearing loss that often deters individuals from seeking support. Many people, she explains, associate wearing hearing aids with fragility and old age. Consequently, they avoid addressing their hearing issues, even when it significantly impacts their daily lives. Amanda emphasizes that failing to take action can have far-reaching consequences, revealing that even mild hearing loss can double the risk of dementia.
Hearing loss is not always evident through the inability to hear. Amanda emphasizes that other signs, such as people telling you the television volume is too high or feeling uncomfortable in loud environments, should not be ignored. These subtle indicators should prompt individuals to get their hearing checked to ensure early intervention and prevent further deterioration.
Amanda made the courageous decision to confront her hearing loss head-on. She invested in hearing aids, which proved to be a life-changing choice. Recounting her experience, Amanda expresses her astonishment at realizing how much she had been missing for so long. The sweet melodies of birdsong during her dog walks became a symphony with her hearing aids.
Realizing the transformative power of embracing one’s hearing health, Amanda founded Ear Gym. This platform aims to provide others with access to free hearing checks and challenge the stigma surrounding hearing loss. Amanda describes her motivation for establishing Ear Gym as a desire to improve the quality of later life for individuals experiencing hearing loss. She believes in nurturing a positive attitude towards hearing health and considering it a pivotal act of self-care.
Despite her impressive career and expertise, Amanda admits to experiencing imposter syndrome when launching her own business. She questioned her own capability and felt uncertain about her entrepreneurial journey. Nonetheless, she recognized this opportunity as both unnerving and energizing – a chance for growth, learning, and a fresh start.
Amanda’s personal journey of self-discovery and empowerment serves as an inspiration for individuals facing hearing loss. By overcoming societal stigmas and embracing the available support, one can lead a fulfilling and active life. Ear Gym stands as a symbol of resilience, determination, and a reminder that it is never too late to prioritize one’s hearing health. As Amanda aptly puts it, “I have a long life ahead of me, so spending money on hearing aids that improved my life was well worth it.”