ENT

A UK-wide survey from 2024, distributed by the BAA and ENT UK, the professional body representing ear, nose and throat surgery, found that only 4% of audiologists consider themselves to be well-informed on APD.

And, for those who are 16 years and over, the Royal National ENT and Eastman Hospital is the only NHS provider in England offering a full APD assessment and the waiting list is nine months long.

Labour MPs Sadik Al-Hassan, who is a pharmacist, Cat Eccles, an operating department practitioner, Kevin McKenna, a former nurse, and Dr Peter Prinsley, a consultant ENT surgeon, also signed the letter, along with Tory MPs Dr Luke Evans, a former GP, and Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, a former surgeon.

When I met with an ENT physician following my vault experience, after examining my ears for wax and finding none, he made the suggestion that I might have a neuroma, or flap, which might be blocking sound coming into one or both of my ears.

Another ENT physician suggested that I was suffering from general and assorted hearing loss — and yes, I really should consider hearing aids.