Carly Sygrove: How I told my deafness story in a documentary for the BBC World Service

‘Hearing Me’ is now available to listen to through the following link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3csynqv. Please note there is a transcript to enable listeners to follow the dialogue – just click on ‘download transcript’ which can be found under the main link to the programme.

A couple of months ago I was given the opportunity to be involved in a BBC World Service radio documentary.

The programme director, Chelsea Dickenson (a producer at Audio Always) had originally contacted me after reading my blog, which details my account of sudden hearing loss and how it has impacted my life.

She was interested in learning more about sudden hearing loss and about other associated issues, in particular, tinnitus and hyperacusis (a sensitivity to sound).

The recording of the documentary took part mainly in Madrid, where I live. We consulted with one of the specialists who has helped me move forward following my hearing loss, and we went to a busy restaurant and talked about how background noise can affect the ability to converse for someone without full hearing.

We also visited a music venue and discussed how my capacity to enjoy sound has changed since losing the hearing in my left ear.

The programme includes a remarkable and very moving account from a man named Neil Smith, whose hearing loss story is full of unpredictability, surprise and emotion.

My boyfriend also features in the recording. He talks about how we have adapted to life following my hearing loss by doing some everyday things a little differently, and he shares a few of his favourite sounds.

The documentary narrative is comprised of excerpts from my blog that have been adapted to give the listener a small insight into my life without full sound. And, whilst wearing headphones and speaking into a microphone in a recording studio, I was given the wonderful opportunity to enhance my writing through the power of audio.

I am so happy with the final recording. I hope it impels the listener to take a moment to consider how incredible the sense of hearing is, and how it can play a big part in our lives often without us really acknowledging it. And, most importantly I hope that for anyone with any level of hearing, they will take time to ‘really listen’ to the sounds they love the most.

‘Hearing Me’ is now available to listen to through the following link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3csynqv. Please note there is a transcript to enable listeners to follow the dialogue – just click on ‘download transcript’ which can be found under the main link to the programme.

Carly says: Hi, my name is Carly. I am 36 years old and I am currently living in Spain. I am originally from a small seaside town in Yorkshire called Bridlington and have also lived in China and Thailand. I am an Early Years primary school teacher and have been teaching for nearly 13 years. I love spending time with my sister and her boyfriend, walking in the countryside, getting lost in Madrid, my boyfriend, travelling, going out for breakfast, my family and friends, taking photos, listening to music, storytelling podcasts, baking, running, drinking wine, and eating spicy food.

In August 2016 I experienced sudden sensorineural hearing loss in my left ear. I started a blog as a way of informing my friends and family of my progress; for anyone who is going through a similar experience as me; or for anybody who is interested in learning about this type of hearing loss, and the way it can affect everyday life.

You can find my blog here: https://myhearinglossstory.wordpress.com/